sexing tilapias

[Pablo]

Identifing tilapia for reproduction

Hi Everyone,

I have 15 tilapias and just separated 3 to a new aquarium with the purpose of reproduction.

 

I placed here what i thought could be a male and 2 females, however, I have been analyzing their behavior and i am a bit confused, so i took few videos in order to place the question in few groups.

If anybody can help me i will appreciate.

 

Details of system:

Measurements:

Width: 1 foot

Height: 16 inches

Length: 30 inches

Volume: 94 Liters = 25 US gallons

 

 

Temp: 27 Celsius = 80 Fahrenheit

 

You will see 3 tilapias:

1. Largest one

2. Sort of like singular colour, with fins black/metallic

and Pectoral fins redish.

3. It has more black lines along the body. Smaller of the 3.

 

#2 seems pretty aggressive and chasing the other two.. They have actually jumped out of the aquarium.

 

there is mouth fight, especially between #1 and #2,

 

#3 seems to be chased more than any, though #2 chased #1 even though is bigger.

 

I am starting to think that 1 and 2 could be males, so i am looking for some insights from all of you.

Thanks in advance.

Link Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=306CUSlxNkQ&feature=youtu.be

[Jim Joy]

While a bit embarrassing for the fish, net each one, gently holding it in the net, turn it upside down and take a look at it's privates.  Females have two openings, males have one.  Some red or blue food coloring will make the inspection easier.

All tilapia are aggressive.  Males do tend to clean out the breeding area - flower pot in your video.  Males tend to grow faster and larger than the females.  But, direct inspection is the only way to be sure.

This link has a nice picture and discussion - http://ouraquaponics.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-sex-tilapia.html

[Pam DeLong]

Please view my comments and drawings for what seemed apparent to me with my Blues:

 

http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/group/tilapia-breeding

 

Hope that helps.