Sexing Jack Dempsey

[Stanv03]

So I was at my LFS today and they had this pretty good sized jack Dempsey that’s like 4-5 inches and I was so tempted but I’m looking for a male and the none of the workers were really sure what gender it is. They said they think it’s a female but isn’t 100% sure. Can someone please help me gender it?

 

[Attenbruh]

The most reliable way to tell male from female Jack Dempseys is to check their cheeks. Males have bluish spots directly behind their eyes, with no spots on the lower part near their mouth. Markings on females extend the full length of the cheek with large iridescent blotches on the lowest part of the cheek.

That's a male. (I think)

Female: Male:

 

[itiwhetu]

By its body shape and annal fin I would say a male. He has been in the wars, what else is in the tank with him.

 

[Stanv03]

By its body shape and annal fin I would say a male. He has been in the wars, what else is in the tank with him.

I believe they have him with juvenile mida cichlids and some other cichlids. I’m going to call today as soon as they open so they can hold him for me till I get out of work. They had told me that it was a trade in, because they never get JD that big in their stock, they always get 1 inch and you know 1 inch is too small to sex and this one id consider 4-5 inches big

 

[itiwhetu]

I believe they have him with juvenile mida cichlids and some other cichlids. I’m going to call today as soon as they open so they can hold him for me till I get out of work. They had told me that it was a trade in, because they never get JD that big in their stock, they always get 1 inch and you know 1 inch is too small to sex and this one id consider 4-5 inches big

He is not in good enough condition for you to be purchasing this fish, way too many war wounds for my liking.

 

[Stanv03]

He is not in good enough condition for you to be purchasing this fish, way too many war wounds for my liking.

I was planning on putting him a 55 alone until he gets better, and they’re selling him for a good price

 

[Colin_T]

they grow to a foot long

 

[AquaAlexC1993]

Jack Dempseys are awesome you will like him.

 

[Attenbruh]

I saw a pair of them in my LFS yesterday which had some fry. They were so aggressive that if someone walked past they would bash themselves into the side of the tank.