I'm growing out 4 honduran jaguar cichlids in a 75. They are still small with the largest being just under 4". I've had them since they were all about 1.75". What I'm wondering is how I should select the best one to grow out, or if that is even possible at this point. The reason I'm getting a little antsy about the decesion is because the largest jag is starting to be a bit agressive and seems to have established a territory. Actually the larger 2 fish both seem to have established territory but the largest is nastier about it and I don't want unnecessary damage to any of them. So what I'm after is, based on the information I can provide (and maybe pictures later if I can get them to hold still), which fish is going to be the most attractive.
Oh, and another question about jags in general: are males usually more attractive than females?
Here we go...
Jag 1: largest of the bunch, least markings displayed. ~4"
Jag 2: second largest, most markings by far. More spots than stripes at this point. ~3.75"
Jag 3: second most markings, more stripes than spots but has both. ~2.75"
jag 4: close to jag 3 in markings, same stripes deal. ~2.5"
I believe jags 1 and 2 are males due to the rate at which they have grown and their markings. More spots than stripes for the markings. It's kinda strange, jag 1 usually doesn't display almost any markings unless it's feeding time while jag 2 always displays full markings. I don't know if this has to do with competition or whatever, hopefully someone can enlighten me.
I believe jags 3 and 4 are females because of the slower growth rate and the markings which still prominently display stripes. I'm not sure if this is because the fish are smaller or what the deal is.
I haven't noticed a great difference in fin length like you would normally see with other cichlids so I don't know what to go by in terms of sexing them. Maybe they aren't old enough yet.
Any ideas based on what I've said? I know a picture is worth a thousand words but I'm at work so no luck with pics yet, tonight though.
Oh, and another question about jags in general: are males usually more attractive than females?
Here we go...
Jag 1: largest of the bunch, least markings displayed. ~4"
Jag 2: second largest, most markings by far. More spots than stripes at this point. ~3.75"
Jag 3: second most markings, more stripes than spots but has both. ~2.75"
jag 4: close to jag 3 in markings, same stripes deal. ~2.5"
I believe jags 1 and 2 are males due to the rate at which they have grown and their markings. More spots than stripes for the markings. It's kinda strange, jag 1 usually doesn't display almost any markings unless it's feeding time while jag 2 always displays full markings. I don't know if this has to do with competition or whatever, hopefully someone can enlighten me.
I believe jags 3 and 4 are females because of the slower growth rate and the markings which still prominently display stripes. I'm not sure if this is because the fish are smaller or what the deal is.
I haven't noticed a great difference in fin length like you would normally see with other cichlids so I don't know what to go by in terms of sexing them. Maybe they aren't old enough yet.
Any ideas based on what I've said? I know a picture is worth a thousand words but I'm at work so no luck with pics yet, tonight though.
