Trouble sexing my electric blue Jack Dempseys

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Fishie Mama

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Jun 14, 2022
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I have an adult that I think is a male and a juvenile that I think is a female. Can anyone more experienced help me figure out if I’m correct on the sex of each fish?

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fishorama

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I agree, top male, bottom pic female...although the female looks much more blue. Maybe the male is stressed in his net...or she's electric blue & he's not?
 

Fishie Mama

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He was under some stress and once I added her he has become a lot happier. They’re turning into great friends. I’ve watched them both grow from babies so I know they’re the same breed.
 

fishorama

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Well, you might expect lots of eggs & fry any time soon. There are friends & better friends, lol. Cichlids are fun parents...but they do breed evey month or more. Have a plan if that happens...
 

Fishie Mama

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We have 2 tanks for babies and the guy we bought them from would probably buy them back. I just need to wait for the girl to fully mature. Can you put 2 girls in the same tank as a male? Or the opposite. I’ve got one more baby that’s still in the starter tank. My little girl was attacking the tiny one so I had to separate them.
 

fishorama

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Well, if she already beating up a younger fish, I'd say NO! You know there's a reason those fish are named for a famous fighter. Female cichlids can be even more pugnacious than the larger males. It could be she doesn't want any fry other than hers, & she hasn't bred yet. Don't risk it.

What size is your Dempsey tank? I don't think it'll matter all that much, 4ft or 6 I think they want it all!
 

fishorama

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Nice! I would add a couple more cave type areas (rocks, wood, pots) not just the flower pots at the end. If she's not ready & he is or vice vs, they need some space & choices. But once she's ready he better be!! Cichlid girls are tough!

Many cichlids like a smooth rock or similar to lay eggs on...gentle on the oviposter, lol.
 

Fishie Mama

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Jun 14, 2022
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Nice! I would add a couple more cave type areas (rocks, wood, pots) not just the flower pots at the end. If she's not ready & he is or vice vs, they need some space & choices. But once she's ready he better be!! Cichlid girls are tough!

Many cichlids like a smooth rock or similar to lay eggs on...gentle on the oviposter, lol.
 

Fishie Mama

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Jun 14, 2022
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Thanks you’ve been such a great help. I’ve decided to move the smaller girl to my apartment and let these 2 have the tank to themselves. I have a 10 inch regular Jack Dempsey that’s outgrown his tank so I’m working on finding him a new home though it breaks my heart.
 
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