How to tell the sex of a Cardinal

Supposedly the length of the dorsal filament--the males' tend to be longer. However, I do not consider this to be definitive or that reliable. Beyond that, there really is no external difference.
 
It is hard to determine in the store primarily because they are juveniles. Larger individuals may lack them due to some damage during shipping. Like I said, I don't really consider it an effective means due to too much variability (it doesn't always hold true, either).
 
Mine (Banggais) have distinctively different dorsals. The males is larger. Plus the fact I watched HER produce the eggs and HIM catch them in his mouth. Guess you can't always guarantee that scenario though:D
 
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