Sexing Gouramis: Male Vs Female

Gouramis are a great choice for those looking to own freshwater fish. Most people keep gouramis in pairs, with one male and one female. However, telling them apart can be challenging, and you might accidentally buy two fish of the same sex. Knowing how to differentiate between male and female gouramis is essential to avoid this issue.

Male gouramis are smaller with different body shapes

Male gouramis are smaller than females. An adult male dwarf gourami will reach a standard length of 1.75 inches, while a female will reach 2.2 inches. Male gouramis also have different body shapes. Females have rounder bodies and bellies that will be noticeable and help identify the female fish.

The dorsal fin is the most telling sign to differentiate between male and female gouramis. Males have longer dorsal fins that come to a point, while females have shorter and rounded dorsal fins. The tip of the dorsal fin is rounded in females and triangular or pointed in males.

Juvenile gouramis may be harder to distinguish as they might not have developed all the characteristics of adult gouramis. It is better to wait until they obtain their adult size to tell them apart more easily.

Dwarf gouramis, one of the most common types of gouramis, are easy to distinguish. Females are silvery and subdued in colour, while males are more colourful, showing crimson and blue colours.

Kissing gouramis, which are considered large, can also be differentiated by looking at their body shape. Females have round bellies and longer, pointed dorsal fins.

Females have rounder bodies and bellies

When it comes to differentiating between male and female gouramis, one of the most telling signs is the shape of their bodies, particularly their bellies. Females have rounder bodies and bellies, which is a distinctive feature that makes them stand out from their male counterparts. This physical characteristic is consistent across various types of gouramis, including dwarf, kissing, and paradise gouramis.

The round belly is a result of females being larger in size than males. In the case of adult dwarf gouramis, for example, a female will typically reach a maximum length of 2.2 inches, while a male will only grow to about 1.75 inches. This size difference is an important indicator when determining the sex of gouramis, especially when combined with the observation of their body shape.

The rounder body and belly of female gouramis are not the only physical attributes that distinguish them from males. The dorsal fin, located on the back of the fish, also plays a significant role in sexing gouramis. Female gouramis have shorter dorsal fins that are rounded, in contrast to the longer and pointed dorsal fins of male gouramis. This difference in dorsal fin shape is a reliable indicator of the sex of the fish, but it is important to note that juvenile gouramis may not have fully developed fins, making it more challenging to determine their gender accurately.

In addition to their rounder bodies and bellies, female gouramis tend to exhibit more subdued coloration compared to their male counterparts. While males often display brighter and bolder colors, females usually have duller and more silvery or silvery-blue appearances. This difference in coloration can be quite pronounced in certain species, such as dwarf and honey gouramis, making it easier to distinguish between the sexes.

It is worth noting that the ability to accurately determine the sex of gouramis based on physical characteristics like body shape and coloration improves with practice. While some types of gouramis may appear similar at first glance, knowing what specific traits to look for, such as the rounder bodies and bellies of females, will enable you to confidently identify the sex of these fascinating fish.

Males have pointed, longer dorsal fins

One of the most distinctive differences between male and female gouramis is the dorsal fin. Male gouramis have a longer dorsal fin that comes to a point, whereas female gouramis have a short and rounded dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is the fin on the top of the fish.

It is important to note that young fish may be harder to differentiate as they are not yet fully grown, and their fins are not fully developed. Therefore, it is recommended to sex gouramis when they are fully grown adults.

In addition to the dorsal fin, there are other physical differences between male and female gouramis. Male gouramis are usually smaller and slimmer than females, who have a more rounded belly. During breeding season, male gouramis become vibrant and darker in colour than females. Females in prime breeding condition will appear very round and full of eggs.

It is also worth noting that some gouramis may experience fin collapse or fin rot, which can affect the appearance of the dorsal fin. This can be caused by water parameters, ammonia poisoning, or damage to the fin.

Females have shorter, rounded dorsal fins

One of the most telling signs that a gourami is female is the shape of its dorsal fin. Female gouramis have shorter dorsal fins that are rounded, whereas male gouramis have longer dorsal fins that come to a point. The dorsal fin is the fin on the back of the fish, and it is one of the key physical characteristics that differentiate male and female gouramis.

The shape of the dorsal fin is a reliable indicator of the sex of the fish, as it is distinct between males and females. The fin of the female gourami has a soft, curved appearance, lacking the sharp point present in the male's fin. This difference is often easier to spot than colouration or body shape, especially in species where males and females have similar colouring or where the fish are young and have not yet fully developed their adult colouring.

When trying to determine the sex of a gourami, it is important to observe the fish closely. While the dorsal fin is a good indicator, other physical characteristics can also provide clues. For example, female gouramis tend to have rounder, fuller bodies, particularly noticeable in the belly area. They are also usually larger than males when they reach adulthood.

In addition to physical characteristics, behaviour can also be an indicator of sex in gouramis. Males tend to be more aggressive, especially towards other gouramis, and they will chase and fight with other fish. They also build bubble nests for mating purposes and tend to the eggs after the females have laid them.

By observing the shape of the dorsal fin, as well as considering other physical characteristics and behaviours, you can usually determine with a fair degree of certainty whether a gourami is male or female.

Males are brighter in colour

Male gouramis are brighter in colour than females. During mating season, males display brighter colours, while females turn red when they are trying to defend their eggs. Females are brownish in colour, except during breeding season when they display bright orange bellies.

The blue gourami is a prime example of a gourami whose colour changes with its mood. When it is happy and excited, its scales will turn a bright blue. The orange variety will display a stunning reddish-orange colour when breeding.

The colour of the gourami is not just dependent on its mood, but also its environment. For instance, the blue gourami will change to a bright blue when it is happy, but the colour intensity can vary depending on the tank environment.

When it comes to breeding, the male gourami becomes much darker and vibrant in colour than the female. The female, on the other hand, will be very round and full of eggs, which is a clear sign that she is ready to breed.

If you want to differentiate between a male and female gourami, colour is one of the easiest ways to do so. Simply place them side by side, and the male will display vivid colours, while the female will appear duller in comparison.

Frequently asked questions