Breeding Electric Blue Jack Dempseys

Question
Hello Alex,
 I recently bought some electric blue jacks and 150 gallon tank to breed them in. I have read on various sites that I wont get the genes for them if I breed two EJBD together and this I need one male EBJD and a femal regulaur jack dempsey. Is this true?

Answer
Well going back to genetics class what you told me would be untrue. If both parents have the same gene then there is more of a chance to get that gene. If the gene is recessive then you would still get it and same if it was dominant. If anything it would make the colors perhaps stronger but I doubt you would get anything more brilliant then the parent whose has the most coloration. I believe if you introduced a lesser (regular) type into the gene pool would create not as intense color and with more fresh blood a more resistant to disease and non sterile fish ( breeding the two EJBD may bring sterilization to the offspring and more of a chance of disease) actually this may be why some believe that you need  a regular female, because the female may be sterile, if anything the best chance for a successful breeding would be two females, perhaps you can make this work in your favor, by getting a regular and EJBD female to put with the EJBD male. I would say you would have a brilliant colors if the EJBD female is not sterile, if she is you will not be able to produce offspring. If you must get a regular then make sure she is brightly colored in colors you want and same with the male. Hope all goes well, Alex.