What is the Egg Spot?
The ovipositor — a small tube-like protrusion through which eggs are released. It appears as a white dot between the pelvic and anal fins.
Only females have ovipositors. Adult males lack this feature entirely.
When It Appears
Sexual maturity (4-6 months). The ovipositor becomes visible as the female reaches breeding age.
Varies in visibility — stress, cold water, or immaturity hide it. Relaxed adult females show it consistently.
Breeding Readiness
A gravid female with a prominent egg spot, vertical stripes, and rounded belly is ready to spawn.
Do not introduce her to the male until she shows all three signs — premature introduction ends in a fight.
Confusion with Disease
Some owners mistake egg spots for white spot disease (ich). Egg spots are single, stationary, and only in that specific location. Ich spreads across the body and fins.