Sexing Jack Dempsey

[SnookLover]

First post here. Curious on the sex of this Jack Dempsey. It might be a little too early to sex but I’m not certain. He’s about 4-5 inches but in a tank that is 8ft x 4ft, it’s hard to really capture him on camera. Both images are the same fish.

 

[AKBlueJacks]

Male

 

[Jexnell]

Looks male, but a better picture of the chin area will tell the tale.

As seen here, females have this blue area from under the eyes to the gills whats called a "blue beard" that males do not.

 

[SnookLover]

I think this picture might be a bit better. Unfortunately I don’t think he likes me because he’s usually pretty far from the glass! There is a little speckling around the gill but no “beard” visible.

 

[SnookLover]

Looks male, but a better picture of the chin area will tell the tale.
View attachment 1473951
As seen here, females have this blue area from under the eyes to the gills whats called a "blue beard" that males do not.

Also, if that’s yours she’s beautiful!

 

[Deadeye]

That’s a male for sure. As for it hiding, they seem to be more skittish than other cichlids. Mine is about 4-5 inches and has only recently not gotten super scared of me (still a little scared though).
Some males can have a lot of blue bearding, like so:

The defining thing about females is that it’s more blotchy than spotty (though like all fish, there are plenty of exceptions).

 

[newworld]

for the most part with the blue on the females unless from some of the centers i saw them in, the males and females can have that blue

 

[SnookLover]

That’s a male for sure. As for it hiding, they seem to be more skittish than other cichlids. Mine is about 4-5 inches and has only recently not gotten super scared of me (still a little scared though).
Some males can have a lot of blue bearding, like so:
View attachment 1473954
The defining thing about females is that it’s more blotchy than spotty (though like all fish, there are plenty of exceptions).

Thanks. My JD is always out and about, never really hiding. Seems as though he’s established himself as the tank boss over the Oscar and Green Terror. He just takes a few “steps” back from the glass when I’m near.

 

[SnookLover]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I’ve been thinking he’s a male too but wanted some input from others who have owned these beautiful cichlids!

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I’ve been thinking he’s a male too but wanted some input from others who have owned these beautiful cichlids!

Welcome aboard ?