Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

[katytropheus]

Just looking closely at the interaction in my tank and just wondered if adult females are more apt to be the ones grazing on the rocks?  The males are defending territory and generally harassing each other and some adults are tolerated in the staked out areas by the males--most of them are picking at boulders--females mainly?

[Zulaab]

Re: Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

They all graze.   Most males will graze for a few seconds then return to their rock, then leave and come back... at least that is what I am seeing in my tank.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

I have noticed that all do it but the non-dominant fish regardless of sex graze more often.

I guess you could say they are like a group of high school boys.... out for the ladies and the ladies only!

[myjohnson]

Re: Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

venting is the only way and something that's not 100%.

I just wait until they breed and than I'm sure which one is female.

I've seen them graze all the same.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

The only for sure way is to vent and the fish need to be over 3.5" in size to do it properly.  Smaller than that and mistakes will be made with Females being mistaken for males.

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Female Tropheus ID--Algae Grazers

The amount of fish that graze would have a higher percentage of being female, because the ALphas are just "too busy" with keeping everyone in-check and courtship.