easy way to sex a Bimac octo?

[know-it-all]

I just wondering, can they be easily sexed.

I really don't care if I have a male or female, but would like to know.

 

[Nancy]

Hi know-it-all,

It's very difficult with bimacs, even for people who've worked with them for years. I gave up with mine, and eventually learned I had a female when I saw her holding eggs.

Nancy

 

[know-it-all]

thanks,

question #2:
Are female's more likely?

 

[Andy Lister]

What about sexing octopus in general? I've got a few vulgaris and a GPO (and another wunderpuss).

What are the key features. Do I have to look at one leg (not sure which one) to find the sperm duct or something??

Anyhoo... thats made me feel all silly!

~Andy

 

[Nancy]

There were a lot of postings about this some time ago over in Physiology and Biology, I think. I don't have time to find it this morning, but I'll have a look later. And the ease of identification varies from species to species.

Nancy

 

[Nancy]

Here's an earlier thread where we discussed this:

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=2106&highlight=sexing+octopus