Jack Dempsey

[Bobby2415]

Male or female? Gill plates tell me female but the fins seem pretty pointed like a male?

 

[Back in the fold]

I'm quite sure that's a male and a particularly nice one at that. He's showing excellent color.

 

[Metalhead88]

That's a female.

Females have more spangles around the lower section of their gills like the fish shown. This is by far the best way to sex a jack dempsey.

Males have no spangles in that area and usually have more spangles throughout their body.

The pointed dorsal fin (although true that males generally have a more pointed one) is a poor indication of sexing. It just isn't a sure fire way to tell.

 

[Back in the fold]

I thought I was sure but you sound like you know better @Metalhead88. I'll call that the true 411 and add to my knowledge.