Male C. aeneus?

[Melody]

I picked up what I hope is a male C. aeneus today, as I have two longfin girls who are in constant spawning condition. They're in a tank that is heavily & richly bottom fed.

This guy has the shape down for a male and his colour is more intense, but I know the tale is told in the finnage so I thought I'd ask for input. These shots were chosen because they show the aforementioned fins, not for quality...lol.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-Bronze_Cory.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-Bronze_Cory-3.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-Bronze_Cory-2.jpg


I don't know if the tail has extensions or has been nipped at, probably the latter, but he's otherwise a healthy little thing. If it's not a male, I'll just keep her and go back for more.

Here is one of his big brides 2 B, sporting a wedding veil and long skirt :laugh: :


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-Longfin_Bronze_Cory-5.jpg


Any guesses?

[GaryofMontreal]

Corydoras aeneus are easy to sex by looking at them from above. Side views don't say much. Females have broader bodies.
The mutant fins are, umm, very mutant. Umm, Melody, I'm trying not to be an insane purist, and I've learned to deal with very weird human-selected forms of livebearers, but a Corydoras too!?! :swoon:

I have no idea what those fins say say about the sex of the fish, other than that it probably shouldn't ever have any...:eek:

[OldMan]

Unlike Gary, I am well aware that cories and even plecs are being intentionally breed with long fins and do not have a problem with it for other people. Although I prefer the natural look on my fish, to each his own. That kind of thing will not be ending up in my tank but it is fine if someone else likes it. It is no more bizarre than the deformity that has become popular as a balloon molly or even now that we are seeing as a balloon platy.

[GaryofMontreal]

I know about the longfinned cats, I'm just always amazed at them any way. I'll argue the cruelty of breeding for the spinal deformity of balloon types, but long fins are just what you like or don't. One breeder's prize is another's cull.
But there's no way Melody would post a picture of a fish like that and not expect me to roll my eyes out loud! :wink:

[Melody]

Expect it? I live for it! LOL You don't have to try to be an insane purist Gary, you're a natural!

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, preferences and to respectfully voice them. It's always a pleasure to debate these issues with you gentlemen because the latter is always present. People don't visit the forum to only hear one person's opinion of what's right & wrong - they can't make their own personal, informed decision that way.

I agree with you both about exploited deformities like 'Balloon' forms, dyed fish, etc., as I truly believe the fish suffers for it. Longfins can suffer in more aggressive environments too as they can't escape as easily, so I do think they should be kept in a particularly passive environment. These guys are the meanies in this tank - they shove snails off their food all the time!:laugh:

But to the topic at hand, from the top and by comparison to the obvious females in the store tank, these look male. I already know the longfin is a female, weren't you listening? :Frog:

[GaryofMontreal]

It's the little guy in the first two shots with just the start of the fin thing you were asking about, right? If he's a male when you look down on him, then you don't have to look at him sideways...
I love our language.

[Melody]

We speak the language of fish love...lol. I think it was Adam that mentioned something about the pec's being more pointed on males.... I could very well be remembering that wrong, but that's why I went for fin views.

I don't know about the thing in the tail, I didn't notice it until I got him home. I think he may have been nipped, as opposed to having an extension, but I could be wrong about that too.

[crabfan52]

this corry made me giggle when i first looked at the picture its what i see when i picture breeding a fancy guppy with a corry

[Namor]

Great pics Melody.

The effort and dedication you've put into researching genetics, nutrition and breeding for specific traits, has I'm sure,
helped a great number of us here enjoy the hobby on a whole new level. :notworthy:

Keep up the fin-tastic work!