Tankmates for my Jack Dempsey pair?

[jackdaniel]

I've got a new 56 gal. column (30x18x24 in.) with a Fluval 305 and two rather small (3-5") Jack Dempseys that don't seem to be paired up, yet. The larger male picks on the female quite often. What would be tankmates for them? Central American cichlids only!

I was thinking a pair of convicts, but when they spawn that would cause issues. Also, maybe a Green Terror, but they're very aggressive even towards larger JDs. The other option was a Firemouth or Festae, but I have no experience with either of them.

Any comments/suggestions welcome!

 

[jackdaniel]

Actually, an even bigger question is why the two don't get along? Is one really male and one female? I'll post some pics.

On another note, I read that introducing the female to a new tank first for a week to get settled and then introducing the male makes for a better transition. Is this true?

 

[CTU2fan]

I'm not sure so much if you'd want to introduce the female first, but I always like to add the smaller fish first (in your case the female) and let it establish.

Not sure if you have room for another cichlid, especially if you're wanting the jacks to pair up/spawn. Definitely not big guys like GT or festae. You could try a single convict or firemouth, but if it's firemouth try to find a good sized one.

 

[Mike fail]

in the long run nothing except maybe a pleco

 

[jackdaniel]

Thanks for the input thus far. I have about 10 ghost shrimp and 13 large rosy red minnows cycling the tank now, but in about two weeks I plan on putting in the female for a few days and then the male.

Also, If I wanted to add some live plants (I know it's not recommended with cichlids, but I need some green), should I do that BEFORE I add the "real fish"?