Texas sexing

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Looks to me to be female, because of the dark blotch in the dorsal, this is generally a female trait for many North and Central American cichlids. Although the head profile and fins look a bit male like.
Is it the only Herichthys in a the tank? if so it could be the dominant cichlid, and be showing dominance traits.
In some females, the dark blotch is less prominent than others, like the one below.

But note the slope of the profile and rounded fins in the female above.
Males generally have a steeper profile, heavier build, and (but not always) more pointed unpaired fins, like the male below.
 
I'd say female too, but the dorsal fin is down in the pic. Try to get one when it's extended. A black/dark blotch mid-way through will almost always indicate female.
 
Okay. Since I will be breeding her if it is indeed a "her". I'd like to try and het a trade for her to make room and not spend any money. If I do so. I have 2 male jacks to trade. They are both shy and skittish. They are divided and don't get along. The dominant male is nicer and short and stocky (5.5") the other is a bit duller but still nice and is longer(6") but skinnier. Which should I use to keep and breed?


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I agree with the others. Female due to black spot in the dorsal.

Keep the one with the best color and temperment. Size is less important, IMO.

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Okay. Well the dominant one is the one who is more aggressive I believe, as he was the one doing the majority of the bullying. I don't know if he is really that aggressive tho and just was territorial vs the other male. As the last owner had the two getting along in a tank with a Texas pair and other i child's and plecos where aggression was spread I guess.


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If you want to breed, divide the tank into 3 sections with eggcrate, put the female in the middle, and males in compartments on opposite ends.
The female will choose which is most suitable, and when she has chosen, try and remove the barrier to the chosen male.
The ability of the pair to see the 3rd male (albeit behind his barrier), will help their pair bond, and will most likely keep his aggression focused on the other male, and not on killing the female.
 
Okay. Thanks. Problem is the tank is only a 55 gal as I was going to originally breed jacks but bought 2 males. Now I can't seem to find a good female so I'm gonna try the Texas. I just don't want to have them crammed together.


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