Sexing Cynops ensicauda popei

[fishkeeper]

Anyone know if it is possible outside the breeding season?

Here are some photos of two animals. First a questionable one, followed by a known male.

Male

I have my suspicions the first could be a female...but here slightly swollen cloaca has me wondering.

 

[Ralf]

AW: Sexing Cynops ensicauda popei

The tail of the animal in the first two pictures seems to be longer than the trunk. If that is the case I'd vote "female". The tail of males is usually shorter (roughly the length of the trunk) and also "higher". The typical "sword"-shape so to say (therefore the trivial name "sword-tailed newt"). Not the shape of a Japanese sword though (katana), but rather that of a double-edged sword a medieval European knight would've been toting.

 

[fishkeeper]

Re: AW: Sexing Cynops ensicauda popei

Can I assume correctly that only males exhibit swollen cloaca and papillae during breeding season? If so it appears I have the bad luck of having 4 males.(and one animal still terrestrial). Anyone have any extra females? It is somewhat sad to watch them courting each other.