Is my betta male or female??

[chokkymommybeez]

After 3 months of tank cycle(10 gal) and set up. I finally found my dream betta! I can't tell if Mustachio is male or female though. I've tried using a mirror , tapping gently, all the tips and whatnot to try to get him to flare. I have NO idea what I'm looking at with the flashlight method.

Any ideas??

 

[Andy Sager]

The easiest way of telling is to look for the egg spot at the vent. Here's what to look for:


Not all Bettas will flare. Many have become so domesticated that they have lost their fighting instincts. So you can't use the behavior as a gender tell anymore. If you want a flaring fish, you're better off observing the fish you want flaring at other fish in the collection at the shop before purchase.