MandatoryDenial
09-28-2008, 07:45 PM
My Mbuna are finally starting to become mature enough that I believe I am now reasonably able to tell exactly who are the males and whom are the females. Through observation I have determined that out of the 6 yellow labs I purchased, 4 are males. My determination is based upon black colorations that are exhibited on the pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins. There is also behavioral clues as the dominant male of the tank (also a yellow lab) routinely goes to bully/chase the other yellow lab males.
I believe I am at a point where I will start having some male aggression problems if nothing is done. I believe this will be the case because out of my 7 Red cheek purchases at least 3 are showing signs of being male and their juvenile striping/brown color is starting to fade and seem to be changing into both blue and yellow coloration.
My Rusties are still a bit hard to determine as I am not noticing aggression with them yet. Even if all were female, I believe that I am over the limit for my tank on males and my question is this, what is the best method for removing the excess males without stressing the entire tank. I have been looking at fish traps and there seems to be a few on the market that might work. Has anyone went this route before and if so how well did these work for you? Also if you have any other advice on how it might be best to remove these excess males with the least amount of stress possible I would love to hear it.
I believe I am at a point where I will start having some male aggression problems if nothing is done. I believe this will be the case because out of my 7 Red cheek purchases at least 3 are showing signs of being male and their juvenile striping/brown color is starting to fade and seem to be changing into both blue and yellow coloration.
My Rusties are still a bit hard to determine as I am not noticing aggression with them yet. Even if all were female, I believe that I am over the limit for my tank on males and my question is this, what is the best method for removing the excess males without stressing the entire tank. I have been looking at fish traps and there seems to be a few on the market that might work. Has anyone went this route before and if so how well did these work for you? Also if you have any other advice on how it might be best to remove these excess males with the least amount of stress possible I would love to hear it.