Of course when attempting to understand the reproduction process one of the most important aspects is the ability to sex the shrimp. However, this is not that easy. Some species are very easy to sex whereas others are virtually impossible to sex with what is known now. Species such as the Red Cherry Shrimp, Yellow Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp and a others are very easy to sex. Other species such as the, Crystal Shirmp, Red Bee, Black Bee, Amano, Red Goldflake Shrimp, Cardinal Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp and others can be extremely difficult to sex. Sexing really does depend on the species you are observing. Check out each species info page to read the detailed information on that particular species and how to sex it.
The male is smaller and less colorful than the female. The male's tail, not being needed to carry eggs, is thinner. The female is larger and displays a much darker and more extensive red color, and often has a "saddle" marking of developing eggs.
Males generally have longer antennae also
But a decapod biologist will tell you that the only way to truly know the sex is to look for specific characteristics of the reproductive system.
Males have a sperm duct located between the 6th and the 8th body segment.
Females have a genital opening at the 6th body segment. Females can also be more readily identified visually by egg filled ovaries or the presence of eggs held beneath the pleopods.
