sexing zebra bar gobies

[phantomtiger]

does anyone know how to tell the difference in male/female bar gobies? i have a pair in my 46 gallon mini reef. the larger one often flashes his colors more than the small one (his head actually turns a bright blue with black by the mouth), also this whisker like object comes out of the bottom of his head by his mouth. the smaller one does flash brighter colors sometimes, but not nearly as often. i have always assumed the larger one was the male but i really wish i could know for sure. i've searched the internet and have come up empty handed. they are for sure my favorite fish in the tank. they have a burrow which they protect together but i have yet to see eggs. the larger one also has a darker spot in his belly so i wonder if these are eggs? any advice appreciated, if curious what is in my tank go to my profile. i am new to this site. thanks, tabitha.

[roka64]

Goby or dartfish? Do you have the scientific name?

[phantomtiger]

its actually in the dartfish family, but more often referred to as a goby. Ptereleotris zebra

[thincat]

I found this link and it seems interesting. You can read it if you like.

Marine Ornamental Fish & Invert Breeders Association • View topic - Dartfishes Breeding/Spawning Overview - Ptereleotridae

[phantomtiger]

thank you the article helped a lot. i guess ill just have to wait and see what happens. they definately act like a breeding pair, we refer to them as the husband and wife, lol.

[thincat]

You would think that since they look so much alike that they would be like clown fish and morph over to male or female.

[Innovator]

During courtship the male has a colored fin extension located just under its head, before the pectorals, that will flare.

[phantomtiger]

Originally Posted by Innovator

During courtship the male has a colored fin extension located just under its head, before the pectorals, that will flare.

excellent. im pretty sure ill see some babies soon!

[thincat]

I prefer candy to cigars!