How to Determine the Sex of a Betta Fish

Betta fish are widely known as fighting fish. Frequently sold in individual containers, you might believe all Betta fish have the same general appearance and demeanor. Regardless of what you see at pet stores, male and female Betta fish are quite different. Subtle differences in their appearance and behavior can help you differentiate their sex. Knowing the sex of a Betta fish is critical when deciding if and when to breed a pair of Betta fish.

EditSteps

EditSexing A Betta By Appearance

1. Wait until characteristics begin to develop with age.^[1] Male and female Betta fish will look very similar when young. This is because their body has not yet developed to the point where sexual characteristics are manifested. Wait until you can either see obvious male characteristics or at about two months of age before sexing your Betta.
   
2. Observe the size and shape of their fins.^[2] Male Betta fish will generally have long dorsal (top), ventral (bottom), and caudal (tail) fins. Often 2-3+ times their body height. The dorsal and caudal fins will often droop due to their length. Female Betta fish will typically have shorter fins about as long as the Betta is tall or shorter. Female Betta's ventral fin may often resemble a hair comb.
   
   • Short fins may indicate female gender, but this characteristic should be combined with other evidence before sexing is conclusive.
3. Note his or her colors.^[3] Males typically have bright colors. Females do not. Females tend to have subdued or dull colors, especially in the body. Bright blue, green, and red coloration in the body and fins is a good indication of a male Betta.
   
   • Colors can change depending on the stress of the fish. Female Bettas will be more colorful when stressed than non-stressed females.
4. Look for the egg spot.^[4] Female Bettas will have a small white spot (i.e., the ovipositor tube) on their underside. This spot will resemble a grain of salt. It is located between the near the edge of the ventral fin near the head of the Betta. This is generally a fool-proof method of identifying females--males never have this spot.
   
   • Finding this spot may be difficult with younger females whose sexual organs have not fully developed. As the fish ages and becomes larger, the ovipositor tube will become larger and easier to see.
   • If you are having trouble viewing the location of the spot, consider feeding or preparing to feed your fish. He or she will likely move to the top and angle himself or herself so you can easily view the location.
5. Compare their body shapes.^[5] Male and female Betta fish have subtle differences in body shape. Males tend to be long and thin. Females tend to be shorter and thicker. This is a subtle difference. You will probably want to familiarize yourself with obviously male Betta fish to use this method to sex Bettas. Female Bettas almost look like stubby males when comparing body shape.
   
6. Put a mirror beside or in the tank. Bettas will flare at other males.^[6] Both male and female Betta fish have aggressive tendencies. However, male are typically more likely to engage in aggressive behavior. When you place a mirror beside or in your Betta's tank, your Betta will see another Betta. Males will likely stretch or flare their gills to show dominance. They may even try to attack the mirror.
   
   • Female Bettas will sometimes flare to show dominance too. However, they do so with less determination. Males tend to become obsessed with the fact that another male is near them.
   • Do not leave the mirror in the tank for extended periods of time. While seeing your male betta's aggressive display is fun, this can stress your Betta to the point it affects his or her health. Male Bettas, particularly, may start having shorter fins simply due to experiencing long periods of high stress.

EditSexing A Betta By Behavior

1. Consider the method of purchase. How you purchased your Betta can tell you a little about his or her sex. Male bettas are typically sold exclusively in the typical "pet store" because of their bright colors and large fins. These are typically male traits, and, consequently, most pet stores sell and stock only male Bettas. Female Bettas are typically sold by aquarium enthusiasts or higher-end aquarium stores.
   
   • Many pet store staffers are more knowledgeable about pets than you. However, their expert knowledge may be limited by their own pet interests. When consulting a pet store staff worker about the sex of a Betta, consider asking if they have ever personally bred Bettas, or if they have to look at the label before telling you if a Betta is male or female. When in doubt, assume the fish is male.
2. Look for bubble nests.^[7] When males are ready to mate, they typically create bubbles on the surface of the water. They create hundreds or thousands of little tiny bubbles that group together. This is in preparation for tending to fertilized eggs. Male Bettas typically tend to be the primary caregivers of their offspring.
   
3. Check your Betta's gills for a beard.^[8] Both male and female Betta fish have a membrane under their gills that is s different color than their body. Usually the beard is brown or black in coloration. Males tend to have larger beards than females. You may only be able to see the female's beard with when her gills are closed if you look hard enough. Males tend to be more obvious even when the gills are open.
   

EditTips

• Accurately sexing Bettas is a skill that develops with practice. Experienced breeders can sometimes spot male Bettas when they are as little as 3/4" long!
• When in doubt, try finding a local Betta fish expert at your local fish store. Look for a store that specializes in selling only aquarium fish rather than a larger department store.

EditWarnings

• While female Betta's can be kept together under the right conditions, males should not be kept together. Likewise, males and females should not be kept together except for short periods for mating.

EditSources and Citations

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