Pairing off JDs

[jbnebres]

Can I get any advice on how to pair Jack Dempseys?

I have seven(3-5") jds in 75 gallon(73-75degreesF) and I'm a bit confused on how they pair off. From what I've read off forums and websites I assume that 4 are female and 3 are males. Their tank has 3 claypots(rear-opened), several large rocks, but no substrate. Is substrate essential to pair/breed Jack Dempseys?, or can I get away without the gravel, sand, etc. (I've cared for oscars/crenicichla and got tired of the mess)
According to one website it could take up to a yr to pair off, but I've heard of JDs pairing right away.
It could be that they are not mature enough or I'm just such a noob at breeding(tryin to-atleast).

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[pcfriedrich]

Welcome to ]V[FK!!. you probably need substrate. you may do better if you have fewer fish in the tank (at least fewer males). the ones closer to 5" are probably sexually mature (or getting damn close), but the 3" ones, probably not quite mature yet. I'd recommend keeping the most dominant male and getting rid of the submissive males. less competition=less stress=better luck pairing. once your most dominant male picks his favorite honey, they're gonna need some alone time, so you should rehouse the other females. it might be a good idea to keep them nearby, though, in case that couple doesn't make it past the honeymoon stage.

I'm not an expert at breeding JDs these are more or less educated guesses based on what I've read. anyone with real world experience fill in any gaps and/or correct me if I'm giving incorrect info.

 

[gomezladdams]

Observe the fish.Note differences and be able to identify them.once a pair breeds you have to decide to take them out or all the other fish and you need to be able to tell them apart when you make your move.Or you could get lucky,one of my pairs bred in a pot and stayed in there so I just pulled the pot with the two of them in there.

 

[Toby_H]

First thing I would do is heat the tank up. I have been breeding Dempseys in pursuits of breeding Blue Dempseys for the last two years… I breed mine at 80+*F…

The fish reach sexual maturity between 3~5” typically… I’ve seen some females spawn earlier… It sounds like your fish are probably newly sexually mature.

I have substrate in all my breeding tanks… the few times I’ve tried to breed Dempseys in bare bottomed tanks they did not seem to appreciate it… all my fry are in bare bottom…

I think the group you have now is great for establishing a pair. I have a tank with 50+ Dempsey grow outs that are just reaching sexual maturity… Each time a pair forms I pull both parents and put them in separate tanks (a male only tank and a female only tank). This prevents them from inbreeding and proves to me that both fish are “breedable”… The purpose and intent are different from what you are doing, but it’s still forming a pair in a group of fish…

I would raise the temp to 80... If things still don’t work out for you I would then add sand… If that doesn’t work get back with us and we can do some more brainstorming…

 

[jbnebres]

Let me first start off by making fun f you fish geeks- but that would probably get me killed on this forum. but on the real tip- i appreciate all of your responses. I am both surprised and loving the fact that it took less than half a day for someone to answer my questions.
back to the jds...
I've noticed lip locking among the group, whether its territorial or breeding behavior- i am not sure.
I have the option of removing 2 out of the 3 males, but unsure whether to pick the largest male or one smaller. I've read that keeping pairs of the same size is wisest-less abused female?
So i'm off in playing god in their lil aquarium- gonna buy some substrate(damnit) and bigger heater.
thanks for help
-jeffri

P.S.
Some females have a slight reddish belly(normal?) Is it something i should worry about(internal bleeding, parasite/disease)?