Jewel Cichlid Color???????

I bought a 2.5" Jewel cichlid about 2 weeks ago for my 40 gallon tank. In the store it was bright red but in my aquarium its dull. I recently bought 2 new African cichlids and rearranged my aquarium setup(i used granite to make unique tunnels and caves). It is starting to get some red in its tail now more than its used to be. So my 2 questions are if you can tell me how long it going to be until its fully red and if it is a male or female. Thanks.