Koi Vents

[Russell Peters]

It can be difficult to determine the sex of Koi sometimes. There are many ways to help you with this but sometimes, even with all of these things, it can still be difficult, even for Japnese breeders.

In males you will find that they can have "sandpaper" like bumps on their cheek plates. The leading ray of their pecs is usually bigger but not always. They also will have very small bumps on the leading ray of their pecs. The Japanese breeders will someting pour a small amount of water over their pecs to see if they see the bumps. They tend to have a longer, more slender body and their bellies tend to be firm. Their vent shape is different than females.

In females you will find that their cheek plates are smooth although a young, or undeveloped male, will also have smooth cheek plates. Females tend to have a more robust body shape and their bellies are soft. Their vent shape is much different than males.

[Russell Peters]

In the female Koi the vent will have two distinct features. #1 is the upper part and when the vent area is squeezed it will bulge and puff up. You will see a small hole in the center of this area. #2 is the lower area and is a larger opening. Both of these areas combined create a T shape.

[Russell Peters]

On the male vent you will find that it is more of a circle in shape and looks more concave. One thing a male Koi will have that a female Koi will never have is milt.

[rainblood]

So the female vent has 2 holes...1 for poop and 1 for eggs?
And the male vent has multipurpose 1 hole?

[KatieVL]

How do you know if the fish has milt?

[Russell Peters]

So the female vent has 2 holes...1 for poop and 1 for eggs?
And the male vent has multipurpose 1 hole?

No, the male still has one for poop and one for urine/milt. It's the look that helps you recognize the difference.

I am not exactly sure of the anatomy of the female but she does have a round opening for urine and I think she shares the other for everything else.

[Russell Peters]

How do you know if the fish has milt?

You have to milt it by squeezing, and pushing, toward the vent. It comes out very quickly.

[KatieVL]

Is milt available year round or only at certain times? How old does the fish need to be to produce milt?

[Russell Peters]

Is milt available year round or only at certain times? How old does the fish need to be to produce milt?

Milt is found in male Koi as young as a year old and I think it is available all year. What are you planning?

[rosekoi]

You have to milt it by squeezing, and pushing, toward the vent. It comes out very quickly.

A video would be nice.

[rainblood]

A video would be nice.

Pervert.

[stephen]

You have to milt it by squeezing, and pushing, toward the vent. It comes out very quickly.

That has been my experience as well

[rosekoi]

Pervert.

didn't see that coming

[rainblood]

didn't see that coming

Dude, lay off the Tequila

[Jeff Speck]

That has been my experience as well

oops lol

[KatieVL]

Perhaps it could be my new party trick, "hey everyone, come close, look at what my fish can do" hehehe

[Russell Peters]

Perhaps it could be my new party trick, "hey everyone, come close, look at what my fish can do" hehehe