Getting Jack dempseys to pair up

[richardhmc]

Hi. Is it true that if there are too many fish, the fish will be scared to pair up?
I have 6 dempseys in a 55 which I will narrow down to two dempseys with the other four gone. right now, i have divided the tank and on one side are two dempseys. These are the biggest ones in the tank and im pretty sure they are male and female. also, these are the only ones that turn dark colored. The female I can tell because it has these bluish dots all over its gill plates and bottom face. THe biggest one is the male with sharp long fins as well.

How can I get them to pair together? Is it better to give away the other 4 dempseys and leave those two in the tank? they are 2 - 3 inches each

 

[Stab]

Dempseys are quite easy to pair up actually.

What i would do if I ere you is remove the divider and let the nature take its course let fish choose their own partner. Once you have a confirmed pair 9and you will know because they will often attack their tankmates as a team and will begin digging pits together and displaying to each other), remove remaining fish. I would also advise against giving extras away right away, as the pair may not work out, in which case it would be nice to have some substitutes

 

[richardhmc]

I see.... okay thnx