Worms or Genitalia ?

[Rolla P]

I was going back and forth for a few minutes trying to decide where to put this question. I feed beefheart and so I've dealt with worms. To date, worms always look like white, almost translucent, thin hairs. But I noticed that from time to time over the past week I'm seeing "something" under my discus and really can't work out what it is. I have never had discus spawn and this thing is only on the largest discus.

It took me forever to get this pic...

[danotaylor]

Looks like weiner to me mate

[Rolla P]

Looks like weiner to me mate

They have been fighting so much that my biggest male lost part of his pelvic fin. I have never had discus spawn before. I wasn't aware that they just "Let it hang" like that.

[LizStreithorst]

Just like water dripping up the spout, all Discus let it all hang out. (forgive me)

[danotaylor]

Just like water dripping up the spout, all Discus let it all hang out. (forgive me)

Bahahhahahaha

[Rolla P]

Just like water dripping up the spout, all Discus let it all hang out. (forgive me)

Out of interest Liz, do you agree it's genitalia?

[cooper666]

That's genitals for sure, nothing suss there.

Wait till you see what pops out of the girls when they spawn, mine have a large meaty protrusion. The boys are a bit more tidy down there.

[coralbandit]

Just like water dripping up the spout, all Discus let it all hang out. (forgive me)

That' funny Liz ! I forgive you !
I see small and fat vent , thinking female ,you others say male Huh??
Lets see how things hang today ? This just started ..
Is this the aggressive one ?

[LizStreithorst]

I was thinking female too, Tom. It's not really down enough to tell for sure.

[danotaylor]

I was thinking male because of the angle from front to back, but it could be a partially protruding ovipositor for sure...
I am by no means am authority on discus sexing, lol

[Rolla P]

Thanks for the feedback guys. In my estimation it's definitely a male. Before this vent became visible he had all the characteristics of a dominant male. I know the debate about how to sex discus is on going but he has classic cichlid male behaviour. He spars with the less dominant male and reacts to the females differently. His vent is more pointy and the females are more fat. I would try to get more vent pics but I think I snapped about 300 with only one being in focus.

When I approach they think it's feeding time. They jostle for position and refuse to keep still/pose for the snap.

Thanks again guys. I really appreciate the help.

[LizStreithorst]

I'd like to see a pic of your tank but you don't have to try for pics of the breeding tubes. You described them perfectly.

[Mando]

Just like water dripping up the spout, all Discus let it all hang out. (forgive me)

Lol! Take the opportunity when its given!

[Rolla P]

I'd like to see a pic of your tank but you don't have to try for pics of the breeding tubes. You described them perfectly.

Every pic I try to post is too large. I tried looking for the max file size for the forum but found nothing.