2 of 4 Jack Dempseys paired up, how long before the others suffer?

edenn1423

Iv'e got four JDs in my tank. one male and three females. They are about 3.5 inches long each. The male has "hooked up" with one of the females and they are beginning to pester the other two. How long do I have before they suffer? I am going out of town for a few days and I want to make sure I shouldn't get them out asap or if I have a little more time. I found a mom and pop that will give credit for them so I will be taking them there I just don't have time to get them there before I have to leave. Should I put them in a different tank for now? I will have to start up a ten gallon as that is all I have extra. It would get a mature filter on it from another tank so don't worry about the new tank syndrome hurting them. Thanks for the advice.

bigrift

you really shouldnt have any issues. if you plan to spawn them then this is how you want it. the male will pick on all 3 females in the tank and if you take the other 2 out he will most likley kill the one hes hanging around now. the only reason you see him hanging around with one right now is because shes fertile and ready for mateing. i would say keep um all provide lots of hideing spots and after they spawn he will go on to the next.

1077

I would hope that the tank housing the Jack Dempsey's is at least 55 gallons for these fish at size posted(3.5 inches).
Is very hard to properly sex Jack Dempsey's at such a young age, and they usually aren't sexually mature until they are around 6 to 7 inches long.
If the tank is large enough,and plenty of hiding,resting areas for fish to claim as their's are present,then I would think they should be fine for a while yet until they reach sexual maturity.