Banggai Cardinal - Female aggression?

[Ninjafish]

Hello,

I have a pair of Banggai Cardinals (Pterapogon kauderni) in my tank but I have never been totally sure if they are both male, both female or one of each. I have read several articles on Banggai’s, including Frank Marini’s articles to try and help.

The original two get along perfectly in the tank but they look identical (jaw line, dorsal fin, etc). The only difference is one is slightly larger…which I have read is typical of the Female.

So, on the weekend I went out and bought a third Banggai that was the same size, had a rounder body and the dorsal fin was not as long. The store could not tell the males from the females either, but this one looked different from the two in my tank.

I put it in the tank at night, went back the next morning and the larger Banggai was beating the crud out of the new one. The other just ignored it. (The new one is now in a satellite tank safe and happy).

So, can anyone tell me…given the behavior of the larger Banggai, do you think:

a) The larger Banggai is a Male, the smaller is Female and the new one is Male?

b) The larger Banggai is Female, the smaller is Male and the new one is Female?

c) The larger Banggai is Female, the smaller is Male and the new one is Male?

d) Only the Benggai’s will ever know for sure?

Thanks

[tendar]

Just keep the 2 that get along and they should probably be a pair in with in the next year you should have babies. I have had no luck spotting males from females either.