Gold Saum Male??

[cbio]

Hey all, I read this forum religiously but have never posted before, however, now I am becoming frustrated and could use a little help. I purchased this Saum nearly five months ago, hoping I had selected a male. However, it is now 5 inches and I do not recognize the formation of a bump on its head, and it doesn't seems to be developing that vibrant coloration as males usually have. I posted a few pics of it.
What are your opinions? Do I have a female, a male with poor makeup, or am I being over anxious? Thanks!




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[Freakgecko91]

I'd say male based on the finnage. Not all males will develop a nuchal hump (sometimes called a kok). Also, the extremely light colored sand is probably washing out his color. I have a feeling that if you put him over sme darker colored sand, you'd get better colors out of him


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[cbio]

Awesome. Thanks for the suggestion. Right now I am just using play sand. It was a cheap solution and I have had it for more than a year now so a new substrate is a welcome idea. What are are lower cost options that you would recommend to provide the desired effect?


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[Freakgecko91]

Awesome. Thanks for the suggestion. Right now I am just using play sand. It was a cheap solution and I have had it for more than a year now so a new substrate is a welcome idea. What are are lower cost options that you would recommend to provide the desired effect?


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I know some people use black diamond blasting sand, but I'm not sold on it (edges seem sharp). Could also look for a darker grained play sand, or mix in some darker sand from a fish store. Others may have some more ideas

 

[dalto]

I like CeramaQuartz if you have a dealer near you.

One of the most uniform grain sizes I have seen.