How to tell the gender of goldfish

My parents recently bought me a new aquariam and a few goldfish. Does
someone know how to tell the gender of a goldfish? My mother thinks some of
them are pregnant, but how can I tell?

Shannon

It's quite difficult to tell the gender of goldfish although it is sometimes
possible by looking at their anus. Females tend to have an anus that pokes
out a tiny bit whereas males don't.
Goldfish don't become pregnant, but it could be possible that they are ready
to spawn. You might notice some spawning behaviour if you watch them
closely. Males chase the females around with their heads under their tails
and nudge them in their abdomens to try to encourage the female to release
eggs.
If the fish become extremely swollen and the scales sticking up it is
probably dropsy so keep an eye on them.
Mel.

"Shannon" wrote in message
...
My parents recently bought me a new aquariam and a few goldfish. Does
someone know how to tell the gender of a goldfish? My mother thinks some
of
them are pregnant, but how can I tell?

Shannon

Not sure if this is for all goldfish, but males when they become adult
develop white spots on their gill plates and along the front edge
of their pectrol fins.

Thanks for you help, I really appreciate it.

Shannon
"Geezer From The Freezer" wrote in message
...
Not sure if this is for all goldfish, but males when they become adult
develop white spots on their gill plates and along the front edge
of their pectrol fins.