Honestly, I don't know what to do!?

[Chaseg03]

When cichlids don't grow, I agree with the other posters, it usually has to do with lack of sufficient water changes.
OP what is you water change routine and amount, on what size tank?
It actually does look like a female JD to me though.
The substrate in the tank is very light, and JDs tend to instinctively match their environment in a chameleon like manner
But could maybe be, one of the "culls" from a EBJD spawn, or an attempt at someone trying to produce a "gold morph" and turning in the less than adequate individuals of the spawn.
If you look toward the end of my video just before the 3 minute point(link below), in the shallow sun soaked reedy area the young JDs of Eden Cenote are much lighter in coloration than the ones in the shady areas in the beginning. (the mollies there are also very light compared to others earlier in the video)
Eden2

my wc schedule is 1 or 2 50 percent water changes a week.

 

[Chaseg03]

When cichlids don't grow, I agree with the other posters, it usually has to do with lack of sufficient water changes.
OP what is you water change routine and amount, on what size tank?
It actually does look like a female JD to me though.
The substrate in the tank is very light, and JDs tend to instinctively match their environment in a chameleon like manner
But could maybe be, one of the "culls" from a EBJD spawn, or an attempt at someone trying to produce a "gold morph" and turning in the less than adequate individuals of the spawn.
If you look toward the end of my video just before the 3 minute point(link below), in the shallow sun soaked reedy area the young JDs of Eden Cenote are much lighter in coloration than the ones in the shady areas in the beginning. (the mollies there are also very light compared to others earlier in the video)
Eden2

my wc schedule is 1 or 2 50 percent water changes a week.

 

[Chaseg03]

I see what you mean Steve the barring looks right as does the caudle and lateral line spot.Its the shape that looks off to me. Thats why I suggested it be a hybrid.
Could also be camera angels.
I would like to see a few more pics and make a judgement.

i will get a few more.

 

[Chaseg03]

Post:

1) the tank stock (size and length)
2) the nitrate levels before a WC (not after)
3) the number and size of WC that you do each week


There are many things that affect fish growth:

1) genetics
2) water conditions
3) amount of food
4) type of food
5) fish age
6) sex of fish

JDs are not fast growers to begin with, but one can unintentionally slow them down with issues in 2, 3 & 4.

Also, have any other fish in the tank been growing since February?

The fire mouth has has decent growth. My convict honestly looks smaller.

 

[Chaseg03]

When cichlids don't grow, I agree with the other posters, it usually has to do with lack of sufficient water changes.
OP what is you water change routine and amount, on what size tank?
It actually does look like a female JD to me though.
The substrate in the tank is very light, and JDs tend to instinctively match their environment in a chameleon like manner
But could maybe be, one of the "culls" from a EBJD spawn, or an attempt at someone trying to produce a "gold morph" and turning in the less than adequate individuals of the spawn.
If you look toward the end of my video just before the 3 minute point(link below), in the shallow sun soaked reedy area the young JDs of Eden Cenote are much lighter in coloration than the ones in the shady areas in the beginning. (the mollies there are also very light compared to others earlier in the video)
Eden2

I see what you mean Steve the barring looks right as does the caudle and lateral line spot.Its the shape that looks off to me. Thats why I suggested it be a hybrid.
Could also be camera angels.
I would like to see a few more pics and make a judgement.

I agree with this on growth. All important factors. Tankmates can make a difference if there is something aggressive. Sometimes I think even a non aggressive tankmate can stress a fish even.

I do think this is a JD and a female. The reason I think it looks odd is because of the tank raised JD gene pool. Many generations of inbreeding will produce a fish that may not resemble the parents even.
Reasons I think is a JD is the baring, head, mouth, and the two spots. I say female because of the blue on the gill plate.

I have had many JDs and EBJDs and that is not either or even a hydrid of one. JH is right the body shape is totally wrong let alone the colour. I would take it back and get what you want from another shop... JDs are really common so it should not be an issue to get a really nice pair... or a large group of juveniles to form your own natural pair.

Post:

1) the tank stock (size and length)
2) the nitrate levels before a WC (not after)
3) the number and size of WC that you do each week


There are many things that affect fish growth:

1) genetics
2) water conditions
3) amount of food
4) type of food
5) fish age
6) sex of fish

JDs are not fast growers to begin with, but one can unintentionally slow them down with issues in 2, 3 & 4.

Also, have any other fish in the tank been growing since February?

 

[FriedFlowerHornFillet]

It's the same exact color of your gravel...JD's always turn the color of their substrate. A dark fish over light gravel really stands out for predators to eat. Plenty of tan or grey JD's out there.Put it on something darker gravel/sand or what ever and all the blues, reds and sparkles will come out with in a week.

 

[cichlidfish]

When cichlids don't grow, I agree with the other posters, it usually has to do with lack of sufficient water changes.
OP what is you water change routine and amount, on what size tank?
It actually does look like a female JD to me though.
The substrate in the tank is very light, and JDs tend to instinctively match their environment in a chameleon like manner
But could maybe be, one of the "culls" from a EBJD spawn, or an attempt at someone trying to produce a "gold morph" and turning in the less than adequate individuals of the spawn.
If you look toward the end of my video just before the 3 minute point(link below), in the shallow sun soaked reedy area the young JDs of Eden Cenote are much lighter in coloration than the ones in the shady areas in the beginning. (the mollies there are also very light compared to others earlier in the video)
Eden2

I fully agree with everything here.

OP:
With growth you have to be patient or just buy fish as adults. Patients is very important in this hobby. It will take years for this fish to get to the size you want.

 

[duanes]

With the new picks, it makes me think, female JD. In many cases females will get 2/3 the size of males, so its growth may be normal.

 

[J. H.]

Sorry for the 'not a JD' post. That first picture really did look like a thoricthys.

 

[shamrock]

It is a Jack Dempsey, BTW they grow really slow.