New to managuense/jags

[TYPO]

i just picked up a pair of small jags for $5 a piece (small being approximatly 3 and 4 inches long). The guy at the store said the thinks i got a male and a female, but he wasn't sure.
I first off have a couple questions.
1) how do you sex these fish?
2) would it be profitable trying to sell if they indeed spawned?
3) what size tank do i need to keep the fully grown pair together?
4) are they normally skittish fish? or are they just stressed from being bought and put into a bag?

Thank you for your help!
~typo

 

[Slappy*McFish]

1) how do you sex these fish?
Once the fish have matured, the males are much larger and lose the juvenile striped markings and take on a more mottled/speckled appearance. The females retain their stripes and are more golden in color. It may take quite awhile for a male to lose his stripes completely...if at all...but many times they will.

2) would it be profitable trying to sell if they indeed spawned?
It would make for good store credit but don't quit your day job.

3) what size tank do i need to keep the fully grown pair together?
180g for a breeding pair. No other tank mates is highly recommended.

4) are they normally skittish fish? or are they just stressed from being bought and put into a bag?
They need some time to settle in and get used to their new surroundings. In a couple of weeks they should feel at home and behave normally. Bold and fearless.

 

[NatakuTseng]

Sexing I agree with Slappy, its not profitable and they stores may not even take the fry. Min tank size for a breeding pair is not 180gal, more like half that a 75 or 90 would be perfeclty adaquate, they don't generaly get more than 14in. Also they are not a "bold and fearless" fish. Jags are known to be shy and elusive fish. They will settle in somewhat, but they will also still remain rather shy. They will most likely never come close to being "oscar-like" bold and fearless. They are very cool fish though, interesting to watch. I've kept them to adult hood, its neat watching them grow up. Yours at that size are also just coming into maturity so you will know rather quick if you do have a male and female.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Min tank size for a breeding pair is not 180gal, more like half that a 75 or 90 would be perfeclty adaquate

That is definitely open for debate...though I wouldn't try to breed or keep them in anything under a 6' tank. Just my opinion.

Also they are not a "bold and fearless" fish. Jags are known to be shy and elusive fish. They will settle in somewhat, but they will also still remain rather shy.

Again...not IME. Mine were very aggressive towards me anytime I walked near the tank...especially with fry present. Though I don't speak for all Jags...just the ones kept by me. I'm sure personalities vary from one individual to the next.

 

[TYPO]

Awesome, thank you guys... well, i wasn't planning on quitting my day job, ^ ^; i had just never seen a price for a jag i liked (ya know, below $50).
Anyway, i'll probably keep this post updated as time goes, and i figure out what they are.
also, they seemed to have settled down a bit, not thrashing all over the tank when something new appears.
(they like crickets.)

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Just give them plenty of places to hide if they feel the need to do so. It will help them feel much more secure and relaxed. With my cichlid tanks, I try to create groupings of plants(fake or real depending on the fish kept). Young fish will hide inside these groupings/clusters. I also divide up the area with driftwood and rocks. I'll position most of the rocks and caves near the rear of the tank with a little space between the free standing rocks and the back wall of the tank. This makes a good hiding spot for fish if the rocks are large enough. This often will become a spawn site, as well. Any caves I build I make sure the cave has more than one entrance/exit. The fish seem to like these better than a cave with just one way in and out.