...anyone ever heard of probing a fish?
 

I had a customer ask me about probing a fish earlier today. I've probed coutnless snakes before, but the concept of probing to determinine the sex of a fish is a new concept to me. I'm assuming the customer is just confused but i thought i'd ask if anyone has ever heard of this....

In all of my years in the hobby, I have never heard of it.

Nope. I think the customer was just a little confused.

The only fish I have ever heard of this being done to is a sexually mature sturgeon. By the time they are mature, 4-5 feet long, I doubt they are being in kept in many aquariums.

ya, that's what i figured, just thought i'd ask, thanks for the replies : )

Actually probing as a method of sex determination is a valid practice. I first came across it while trying to determine the sexes of all the fish I work with for an inventory. The articles I read were researching largemouth bass, but I have also heard of it used on many other species of large fish. I don't think I've heard of any cases of it being used on smaller fish (i.e. the kind suitable for the hobby sector.)

Is probing different than venting?

jeaninel - yes: venting just involves a visual examination of the anus and genital papillae while probing requires the use of a probe inserted into the urogenital opening (the angle and depth of insertion are the most commonly used markers.)

FYI, venting can also refer to the process of releasing expanded gases from the swimbladder of fishes that have been brought up from depth.

Hope that answers the question!!

Yes, it does. Thank you very much!