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Contents
Overview
The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a cichlid from the Atlantic slope of Mexico and Central America, from Veracruz to Honduras. It was named in the 1920s after the famous heavyweight boxer, a nod to its pugnacious attitude and broad face. Adults are dark brown to nearly black with brilliant turquoise and green spangles that intensify with age. There is also the more delicate "Electric Blue" strain.
It reaches about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) and lives more than ten years. It has tons of personality and is easy when it comes to water, but it is territorial and predatory. It is a good choice for anyone who wants a big Central American cichlid and can provide a roomy tank and suitable tankmates.
Care and tank setup
A single adult needs at least 80 gallons (300 L) and a tank about 5 feet (150 cm) long; for a pair or a tank with other large cichlids, plan on 120 gallons (450 L) or more.
- Décor: sand or fine gravel, large rocks with caves and driftwood to break up territories. Secure the rockwork, because they dig.
- Plants: some individuals uproot them, others ignore them; tied-on anubias or artificial plants are safest.
- Water: very adaptable, neutral to alkaline and moderately hard. Strong filtration and weekly 30% water changes, since they are messy eaters.
- Tankmates: robust Central and South American cichlids of similar size, large plecos and other big-bodied fish. Anything small becomes food.
Use a lid, since they can jump, and guard the heater. Never release one into the wild: it is invasive in several countries.
Feeding
A predator with a big appetite. Base the diet on a quality carnivore cichlid pellet, supplemented with shrimp, mussel, krill and frozen bloodworms. Avoid live feeder fish, which spread disease. Adults do well on one or two meals a day; don't overfeed.
Breeding
Bonded pairs breed without much trouble. The female lays several hundred eggs on a flat stone or inside a cave, and both parents defend them very aggressively, then care for the fry for weeks. Keep a close eye during breeding, because the pair may attack any tankmate, and even each other if they are not compatible.
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Jack Dempsey, and why.
- Bristlenose pleco: incompatible temperaments
- Cherry barb: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Tiger barb: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Betta fish: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Common goldfish: incompatible temperaments
- Bronze cory: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Panda cory: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Zebra danio: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Jack Dempsey healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Jack Dempsey need?
At least about 300 liters. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Jack Dempsey need?
Between 22 and 29 °C, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.
What fish can live with the Jack Dempsey?
This species is best kept alone or with very few carefully chosen tank mates.
Can the Jack Dempsey be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
