[blinkstylee85]

I have had 2 pairs of Jack Dempseys for about 2 years now. I recently lost one but two continue to try to mate. They dig the gravel out to the bottom of the tank and I see them sort of do "dance." But nothing ever comes of it. Never had any eggs what-so-ever. Could it be that they are not a male/female pair? I would like to see them breed. Are there any ways to externally/visually sex them? Anyone with info thanks in advanced!

[SIGGY]

If they are trying to mate, you should be able to sex them. The male's dorsal and anal fin will become longer and more pointy at the tail. The male may develop more color and his genital papilae (spell check) will be thin and pointy. Her's will be thicker and blunt on the end.

SIGGY
Moderator-SA Cichlids

[blinkstylee85]

It seems the two that mate most often are male and female. Are they old enough to be sexually mature at two years old? Or are they just getting a head start on bredding? Thank for the info and anymore to come. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[SIGGY]

They are old enough to breed. They might not be a compatible pair, something in the tank might make the nervous, they might actually spawn and eat their eggs, or another fish might eat their eggs. Could be one of the things that I mentioned, or some other reason. They might keep trying, or eventually give up.

SIGGY
Moderator-SA Cichlids

[blinkstylee85]

All the fish in the tank are always frightened. i don't know why. I tried adding more plants more rocks different caves. But they only come out to investigate then quickly swim back to their original hiding places. Every fish has like an "assigned" spot or something. Its strange and they have been doing every since I've had them. This is porbably the reason and thanks for the info.

[SIGGY]

That sounds like normal cichlid behavior. When they claim a territory, they will spend alot of time hanging out their unless they have to defend it. Adding more hiding places sometimes helps to get them to come out more, but at the same time, the changing of the tank will keep them on edge.

SIGGY
Moderator-SA Cichlids

[Tersname]

Sometimes when adding new territorial fish if you change all the hiding places then it puts the new fish on more of a balanced level with the other fish. Eventually they will reestablish new hiding places and get more comfortable.
Also, adding a few non-aggressive fish that constantly swim around (but are too fast for the cichlids to catch) are good at making the other fish more comfortable.
I have a few giant danios in my 55 gal. that help with the problem I used to have.