How to Tell Between Male and Female Jaguar Cichlids

The jaguar cichlid is a very attractive species, and an excellent choice for hobbyists who want the beauty and personality of cichlids in their tanks. Jaguar cichlids can be aggressive with other fish, and with one another, so properly sexing and separating them is important, particularly if you plan to try your hand at breeding these popular fish.

Allow your jaguar cichlids to mature before trying to sex them. Juvenile male and female jaguar cichlids look very similar to one another, and they both display the dark stripes that typify the species.

The jaguar cichlid is a very attractive species, and an excellent choice for hobbyists who want the beauty and personality of cichlids in their tanks.
Juvenile male and female jaguar cichlids look very similar to one another, and they both display the dark stripes that typify the species.

Look at the striping pattern on the jaguar cichlids. As male jaguar cichlids mature they begin to lose those distinctive dark stripes. Male jaguar cichlids also display a pattern of small spots and speckles on their bodies. These speckles appear on a golden background.

Compare the sizes of your jaguar cichlids. The male jaguar cichlid is typically larger than the female.

Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.