Gender of my JD?

[Bxdr]

I am starting to wonder if they really are opposite sexes...They've never exhibited breeding behavior...nor have they ever laid eggs and it has been a little over a year.

The big "male" jack dempsey has been through a lot... I did not keep him in a big enough tank when he was very young...Could this be the cause of his infertility?

 

[cacichlids]

They are opposite sexes, but that doesn't guarantee they will breed.

 

[Bxdr]

Which would be better at this point, get another male or female?

 

[cacichlids]

get more females and let him choose one.

 

[Bxdr]

Can Jack Dempsey males ever get sterile if they've jumped out of the tank and stayed out for long periods of time?

 

[cacichlids]

mmm... I don't think anyone would be able to answer that for you. But sounds unlikely. What's your water parameters, temperature, tank mates (if any)... also what do you feed them, how often... and post a picture of their tank if u can.

 

[cacichlids]

from those pictures you posted at first they seemed to be in a very bright and bare tank... no substrate, caves, background or anything... that's extremely stressful for a Jack Dempsey... they absolutely love to hide and need caves and decor to feel secure... that could be one of the reasons why they haven't bred for you.

A black background and some river rocks with broken clay pots or pvc pipe should do.