I have to agree that there is NO SUCH THING as a BLACK EBJD....
I also have to agree to FEED A VARIETY OF FOOD... Just like you, a fish needs a balanced diet.
As your fish grows the darker color will fade to blue. each, obviously, having a different pattern than the next. Whether it be the substrate, genes, mood, or diet... Cichlids change color all the time..
Example... My mated pair of EBJD (male) and Reg. Dempsey (female).
Notice how light she is...

A little darker today




A purple-ish hue...

View attachment 562230
Dark female and dark patches on the male



I also wouldnt try for mating male and female from the same batch from your LFS as they are most likely brother and sister.
Good luck with your EBJD! I hope it lives a long healthy life
P.S. Anyone looking for Blue Gene fry.... Mine will be ready around the end of January.. I'll keep you posted. Shoot me a PM if interested. Thanks
I also have to agree to FEED A VARIETY OF FOOD... Just like you, a fish needs a balanced diet.
As your fish grows the darker color will fade to blue. each, obviously, having a different pattern than the next. Whether it be the substrate, genes, mood, or diet... Cichlids change color all the time..
Example... My mated pair of EBJD (male) and Reg. Dempsey (female).
Notice how light she is...

A little darker today




A purple-ish hue...

View attachment 562230
Dark female and dark patches on the male



I also wouldnt try for mating male and female from the same batch from your LFS as they are most likely brother and sister.
Good luck with your EBJD! I hope it lives a long healthy life
P.S. Anyone looking for Blue Gene fry.... Mine will be ready around the end of January.. I'll keep you posted. Shoot me a PM if interested. Thanks