help needed with EBJD's

[clairel]

hello all,
I have a beautiful breeding pair of EBJD's. They haven't spawned for me yet but the previous owner had them spawning like crazy. I introduced a jack dempsey into the tank yesterday. He is the same size as the EBJD female. The male EBJD is considerably larger. Today, the male EBJD is over in a corner and every time he moves around, the 'new' (and smaller) jack comes over and gives him a little reminder nudge to stay put. My hopes were that the new jack would encourage the EBJD's to be a little more amorous. But instead, the new guy has taken over the larger EBJD's hiding place, got himself all coloured up, and is just as happy as a clam. I have taken the new guy out of the tank and he is spending some time in 'jail' until I figure out what to do. I really like the EBJD's and don't want to lose one (or even upset them) due to my overzealous desire to have them spawn. PS. I put the 'new' jack in with a breeding pair of large jacks and they commenced to kick the ......chase him. Is there any chance that the larger male EBJD will 'man up' or is the 'law of the jungle' the way it is? need help. Claire.

[Momobobo]

From what I've heard the temperment of a Jack Dempsey is classed as "agressive", and EBJDs are "Semi-Agressive" so maybe its that? I wouldn't risk it, a EBJD is worth ALOT more then just a regular Jack Dempsey, Eh?

[AWW]

Just common cichlid agression, dont worry about that. Let them get used to the new digs.

Your aware that your EBJD's wont produce more electric blues right? They will only spawn regular jack dempseys.

If you want to spawn electric blues, you need to plan some more, and get some blue gene electric blue jack dempseys (look just like regular jack dempseys, but the genes are different) and then you will get electric blue fry.

If i were you, i would skip breeding these fish, they are beautiful to watch in a community tank. I Used to have a pair of regular jacks, and they were just to darn agressive.

[couch]

This is off of the monster fish keepers website.

Heres a snippet taken from an EBJD breeder on this forum. Comes in very handy.

"Here's how to produce Adult EBJDs starting with eggs (Theoreticaly, unless you are already breeding them). For each step you can skip, you save about 12-14+ months, so the whole process takes about 3-1/2 years.

JD = Regular Jack Dempsey
BGJD = Blue Genotype (Regular Phenotype) Jack Dempsey
EBJD = Electric Blue Jack Dempsey

Step 1) EBJD X JD = 100% BGJDs

Step 2) BGJD X EBJD = 50% BGJDs and 50% EBJDs

3) note: EBJD X EBJD = 100% fatal (No fry survive, assuming any eggs hatch at all).

Bottom line is that to actually produce EBJDs, you need an EBJD to spawn with a BGJD. This is why most breeders are unwilling to sell BGJDs. If you pair one with a EBJD, you can save years of breeding, feeding and rearing time."

[clairel]

HI All,
thanks for the thoughts and info. Very helpful, especially the article on breeding them. I panicked last night. Guess i am a 'wus' when something happens to the fishies that makes them unhappy. Today they are calm and fine. The 'new' jack is still in jail but it is a very nice jail and i am working on finding him a pal or two. It is reassuring to know somebody out there has your back when something goes sideways. Great forum! Thanks guys.
Claire

[pranara]

Hey Claire, just wondering, where did u buy your EBJDs?

[clairel]

i was very lucky and was given them by a fellow fish fancier. when i learn how to take and post pics, i will put some up. they are a really gorgeous pair!