It is a beautifully colored cichlid that comes in a large size and that comes from South American. The common name for the Jack Dempsey may make you think that this fish is a bruiser. Jack Dempsey cichlids are very territorial and quite aggressive and usually end up on their own because they kill everything put in with them. JavaScript is disabled. The Jack Dempsey name may remind you of a famous person. The fish i want the most is an Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Their large size, combined with their aggressive territoriality, means they must have a large amount of space. Those conditions make taking care of this fish easy as the water conditions are actually how most of aquarists keep their tropical tanks. Kingdom: Animalia 2. If you only have limited space to keep all of your fish so that you need to keep Jack Dempsey and other fishes together, it is advisable for you to keep the fishes in large groups instead of in pairs. Simply put large rocks and large pieces of bogwood in the tank to get a natural look. A mate of the same species but different gender may be a good idea, but JDs will probably eat any tankmate that's small enough and will harass the rest. Meanwhile, this fish also has a genus named Rocio. This ensures compatibility and reduces the chances of fighting during courtship. Jack Dempsey Cichlid, FishTankWeb.Com – It is indeed one of aquarists’ favorites although sufficient knowledge on this type of fish is highly required. Jack Dempsey Fish Care Guide 2020 – 8 Steps at a… Endler’s livebearer 2020 – 8 important things you should know! I have a Jack Dempsey cichlid and a Florida pleco in a 29g tank. Jack Dempsey fish tank mates can be Oscars, firemouth cichlids, kissing gourami, koi, angelfish, cave tetras and green terror. Should I get a larger one? Accessed on 01.03.2018. 3. The proper knowledge is needed so that the fish can well establish in the tank. [2] Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Animal-World². If you worry about the fish making a mess with other fish in the tank, you can keep it single. Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae 7. Jack dempsey Fish Tank Size. The jack Dempsey Cichlid fish isn’t as aggressive as everyone thinks it is. When it comes to selecting companions for aggressive and territorial fish, care is necessary. Health Question - White Spot on Betta’s Head? So, they need a tank that’s at least 80 gallons. In addition, the fish will not be in harm if the pH of the tank goes lower or higher. FishForums.net is one of the internet's oldest and premier Tropical Fish and Aquarium forums! Class: Actinopterygii 4. Jack Dempsey Cichlid Tank Size, Characteristic and Care. Jack Dempsey Tank mates. The clown loach is a good choice to go with. That’s why. The adult Jack Dempsey has many colors on its body. The full pattern and coloration of the fish may take up to one year. Here Are 10 Good Tankmates For Jack Dempsey 1. 1. Species you m… Jack Dempsey Tank Mates Jack Dempsey fish are not the best community tank fish. You are using an out of date browser. All You Need to Know about Blue Ram Cichlid, Flowerhorn Cichlid Care Guide and Feeding, 6 Super Red Discus Facts Have to Know Before Buying, Hello World! My Jack Dempsey Fish Is Attacking Its Tank Mates. For blue Dempsey, compatibility with fish of equal sizes is not a problem. I need fish that get alone with electric blue jack Dempsey’s. Tank Mates for Electric Blue Jack Dempsey? Jack Dempsey tank mates ideas!! A tank with the size of 180 x 60 x 60 cm cannot be said to be a minimum though as the tank with this size is actually better for Midas cichlid. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Big South American cichlids like oscars and severum just don't have the jaw strength to deal with a mean jack dempsey. Family: Cichlidae 6. Jack Dempsey fish tank mates talk. When it comes to tankmates for a Jack Dempsey cichlid, remember the name refers to a professional fighter. This fish is also known to be boisterous and tough fish. But then you question why this human name is adopted to be a fish name. If you only have limited space to keep all of your fish so that you need to keep Jack Dempsey and other fishes together, it is advisable for you to keep the fishes in large groups instead of in pairs. A Jack Dempsey would need a tank of at least 55 gallon (208.20 litres, 45.80 Imperial gallons) and a bigger one for more. If you worry about the fish making a mess with other fish in the tank, you can keep it single. Order: Perciformes 5. The size of the community tank must be appropriate for the number of Species being kept s… So I today I purchased a pair of tanks, 80 gal and 90 gal, for $100. Jack Dempsey likes to inhabit sluggish, warm water, crustaceans, fish, insects, and feeding on worms. They can thrive in a wide range of water conditions, but if you want any other fish in your aquarium, you'll have to plan its setup carefully. Be aware that during courtship and pairing, all other fish in the aquarium will be driven away, bullied or even killed. With its large size, the fish’s ideal house or tank will be in the size of 120cm/4’ or 150cm/5’. You have entered an incorrect email address! Second, is how many Jack Dempsey Cichlids you are planning to keep? Both are about 3.5 to 4 inches long. Again, if you unfortunately don’t have any more space to keep all of your fishes, still keep all the fishes in the same tank but monitor the tank more closely and more often. In Spanish, it is translated as “morning dew”, meaning sparkling scales allusion on the sides and cheeks. They tend to become territorial as they grow. That does restrict the choice for tank mates somewhat, although it doesn’t necessarily mean … Although blue Cichlasoma is calm, they remain predators. Would you say his tank is too small at the moment? Check out the FishForums.net Monthly And, you could yet keep a group of 3 – 4 Jack Dempseys in the same tank. You must log in or register to reply here. Jack Dempsey can certainly be housed with other hardy and large species. Before you introduce your fish into the tank, make sure that it’s fully cycled. It naturally inhabits warm, sluggish waters, feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects and fish. What kind of special treatment does this fish need? I agree, 55 is the minimum, but even then tankmates are hard to come by. The first time this type of fish was introduced to the hobby of aquarium, this cichlid fish was deemed quite ferocious, although know there are many other cichlid breed that are considered way more aggressive than Jack Dempsey. Save your money and leave him on his own. We are a family friendly community with an incredible resource of information for fish owners and enthusiast alike. One of the examples of an exotic Jack Dempsey is the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Feb 14, 2020 - Explore Deverick McKenzie's board "Jack Dempsey Fish" on Pinterest. However, getting to see two fish working together to raise their fry is a unique experience. Separate your smaller fish from your Jack. In turn, it’s likely to be more aggressive. The behavior of Jack Dempsey fish is quite hard to handle with as they are quite … They grow up to 6 inches in length, so the Jack Dempsey... 2. One of the reasons why Jack Dempsey is popular is because it is easy to keep and to care about. Jack Dempsey is getting more gorgeous when it grows older. They work best with other fish in groups. Despite of its aggressiveness, many aquarists still keep Jack Dempsey because this fish is easy to breed, cheap to buy, hardy, colorful, easy to keep, and able to improve with age. The safest option is for you to keep them as the sole species in a tank, especially if you’re not experienced in handling their aggression. The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a species of cichlid fish that is native to freshwater habitats from southern Mexico to Honduras, but also introduced elsewhere. I'm a littler overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of cichlid breeds, as well as how careful you have to be with setting up compatible tank mates. As it grows, it develops its pattern and coloration. Genus: Rocio 8. The species has got Rocio name by the name of its describer’s wife; in Spanish “rocio” means “dew” and indicates the presence of sparklet-spots in the fish coloring.Specific name of the fish “octofasciata” comes from Latin words “octo” (eight) and “fascia” (a belt or a stripe) and it is translated as “eight-striped”.In fact the fish has definitely more than eight stripes on its body. Topic: What are good tank mates for an electric blue jack Dempsey? He is about four years old and I do not want to part with him but I do want to get more fish. the thing that i want is a really big fish that would be ok for a 50 gallon and i landed on jack dempseys ( i originally wanted oscar but it would be to big for that sized tank), if you have any better ideas for a ''big'' fish please tell me This aggressive cichlid breed is naturally and originally from Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, although the fish may also been found in other areas during warm climates. Welcome to The FishTankWeb.Com. Thanks. [1] Keeping Jack Dempsey cichlids in the aquarium June 13, 2016, Practicalfishkeeping¹. Bearing in mind that the Jack Dempsey fish is a predatory species when attempting to select tank mates for them, you will have to look away from relatively small(er) fishes that can be easily feasted on [by Jack Dempsey]. Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Tank Mates. Jack Dempsey Cichlid Tank Mates - YouTube More videos on Cichlid FishAll types of cichlid fishhttps://youtu.be/zroVsypyLBAThe Jack Dempsey is a species of cichlid that is … Many good tankmates just are too large for a 55 gallon tank. Goldfish With any décor you put in the tank, make sure all of them are easy to keep clean and maintain. They will hold their own against more aggressive tank mates. I do recommend that if you are mixing species that you offer plenty of hiding places for fishies to escape. Oscar and Jack Dempsey good tank-mates? Fish of the Month, Pet of the Month. You’ll find that it’s easier to keep them with other fish while they’re young. Place the rocks first to avoid getting rock falls when the fish dig. The Jack Dempsey naturally occurs in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize, although it has been introduced — or escaped — to other areas with year-round warm climates. More than 100 years ago, this cichlid breed started off as Cichlasoma biocellatum. Please Support Us with Share and Like! The behavior of Jack Dempsey should not be the reason to why you should pass on keeping the fish in your tank. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Jack Dempsey fish is native to Central America Atlantic hillsid… Males or Females? Incredible, right? Check water parameters regularly and invest in some gear to help you maintain optimal conditions at all times. Because of the Jack Dempsey’s nature, you will want to consider their tank mates very carefully. Unless you want them to end up as a meal, don’t place peaceful fish, such as tetras, or invertebrates, such as freshwater snailsand shrimp, in the same tank as Jack Dempseys. This fish was named after the 1919 World Heavyweight Boxing Champion “Jack Dempsey”. It is also not as aggressive or combative as the Red Devil cichlid. Depends if you want more fish. Male Jack Dempsey has more those gorgeous spots than the male do. You could get a breeding couple, then they will have fry and you will be able to watch them produce more Jack Dempsey's! Although it is stocky, it can grow up to 25 cm or 10 inches in length. Jack Dempsey fish’s experts suggest raising small fish together and waiting for a pair to separate from the group. Help!! Both are about 3.5 to 4 inches long. However, the hyper aggression of the fish seems to be an aquarist’s impression about this cichlid breed. Hello, I was curious to know a bit more about Oscar and Jack Dempsey aquariums. Vote Now - January 2021 Pet of the Month contest, Tank of the Month, Aside from those water conditions, the way you can decorate the tank is also easy. Dark purple mixed with gray can be found as background of the body and green, light blue, and gold are found in the spangle spots all over the body. Suitable Tank Mates. As for cleaning, we recommend performing a 20 percent water change every other week. These all have story. It’s also best to have only one male per tank to avoid aggressive territorial behavior. Contests including the Tank of the Month, Here is the basic knowledge about the fish you need to have. They will attack and harass tank mates that are smaller or try to eat them. They will get more aggressive the more cramped they feel, especially if you have a mated pair. I am hoping to come across one of the Electric Blue varieties. If you’re planning on tank mates, make sure you have a big tank. Although Jack Dempsey is aggressive and boisterous, it is actually not a one-tank-one-fish creature. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jack Dempsey cichlids are a striking and popular aquarium fish -- large, bold and colorful in appearance; highly territorial and aggressive in character. So, they need a tank that’s at least 80 gallons. Jack Dempsey Cichlid is scientifically named Cichlasoma octofasciatum. Breeding Jack Dempsey fish requires a separate breeding tank and patience. Jack Dempsey are large, aggressive fish. I have a Jack Dempsey cichlid and a Florida pleco in a 29g tank. Jack Dempsey By OutlierForLife (Flickr) The aggressive nature of Jack Dempseys can be quite restrictive when looking for tank mates, but that does not mean there aren’t some good options out there. Phylum: Chordata 3. The male fish also have other physical features such as anal and dorsal fins that are in bright red. But, given the right setup, it can be a good tank mate if kept with similar cichlids. The color of the fish listed above sometimes also come with another baseline coloring. The Jack Dempsey has been extremely aggressive to every other fish in the tank except for the pleco and a convict cichlid that was in his tank when I first got him (who has since died). The last thing is the amount of light you expose your fish to. I have two of them and want to add some other fish to my aquarium. Accessed on 01.03.2018. Larger cichlids like jack dempseys need bigger tanks especially if one wants more than 1 cichlid in the tank. If you will be keeping a pair of this species, a 100-gallon tank will give them enough room with plenty of spaces to hide and swim. Although Jack Dempsey is aggressive, it is not the most aggressive cichlid. Typical Behaviour. Ghost Shrimp: Care Guide 2020 For Food, Tank Set-Up, Mates, Breeding… Jacks can also attack each other. During the breed, the end to do not well in a large group and thus they need to be kept singly in the tank. In a 29 gallon he owns that tank and anything put in it hell most likely kill. Jack Dempsey can be kept both single or in a large group. July 17, 2018 by mod. Like other kinds of cichlids, Jack Dempsey also has an interesting history. Naturally, their waters need to be alkaline and hard. This type of fish is unique as unique as the way it should be cared. It then changed to Cichlasoma octogastiatum, then to Heros octofaciatus, then to Parapetania octofasciata, then to Nandopsis octogasciata, then to Archocentrus octofasciatus, and eventually to Rocio octofasciata. Jack Dempsey cichlids are an aggressive species of fish that needs plenty of territory. ... aggressive add more than one because when you add just one it makes picking on the new guy easier for the established fish in the tank. Nowadays some Jack Dempsey fish also has many captivating color varieties. Fish of the Month, Pet of the Month and more! Try to avoid unnecessary light exposure as it can irritate your fish and they will try to hide. Clown Loach The smaller the tank, the more fish, the more the Jack Dempsey fish will feel cramped. A lone Jack Dempsey can be kept in a 30-… The Jack Dempsey has been extremely aggressive to every other fish in the tank except for the pleco and a convict cichlid that was in his tank when I first got him (who has since died). I know I want a JD in one of them, and I was wondering what tank mates I could do in the 90 gallon with it. As adults, Jack Dempsey cichlids will be between 8 and 12 inches long. Jack Dempsey Fish Tank Mates While the Jack Dempsey fish is low maintenance and easy to care for, they don’t play well with others. Try selecting the tankmates that are equal in size and temperament. Jack Dempsey can be kept both single or in a large group. See more ideas about fish, freshwater aquarium fish, aquarium fish. The dorsal and anal fins are longer in size and come to sharper points. Mon Sep 13, 2010 2:32 pm. [1] [2] [3] Its common name refers to its aggressive nature and strong facial features, likened to that of the famous 1920s boxer Jack Dempsey . Tank mates generally need to be a similar size with the same aggressive temperament. Jack Dempsey fish males reach a larger size than females. As they mature, most cichlids become aggressive, and mister JD is a good example. Although the fish is large, it is compact in shape and stocky. Now, there are various kinds of goldfish, not all of which are ideal to keep with a Jack Dempsey Cichlid. Although the species made many changes, it is rarely to be mistaken with another kind of fish. Care includes the basic things such as care of food, tank mates, water filtration, temperature and pH maintenance. For large SA cichlids like Jack Dempseys i wouldnt go smaller than a 55 gallon and even then the max would probably be around 4 or 5 cichlids. Species: R. octofasciata So, why not trying to keep Jack Dempsey Cichlid? Thank you! They are aggressive fish, especially if they don’t have enough space in the tank. If you are planning to breed Jack Dempsey, it is better for you to let the fish in their own tank. So far he has killed a rainbow cichlid after about 6 months together just fine, and an african cichlid. The name was perceived from the wife’s name of the describing author, Regan. Once I was curious and placed a crawfish in the tank but he killed and ate the whole thing in under 30 minutes. Only house your Jack Dempsey with fish that are similar in size and aggression. So my 75g tank is approaching the time for when i can begin to add fish, and i'm trying to figure out a good set of fish to have. You can also decorate the tank with some live plants such as Anubias, or Java fern on rocks or woods. The water also needs to be in a temperature ranging from 22 – 30oC and in pH 7 – 8. So if you feel up to the task and have the room, it’s worth it. If smaller fish become tankmates in the aquarium, then a blue Dempsey will be happy to arrange a hunting game for itself. I have been doing bits of research into this and found that on some other forums and in some books people hint at the two species being perfect tank mates for each other. To have of fighting during courtship health Question - White Spot on Betta ’ s ideal house or tank be. Harm if the pH of the Month and more stocky, it is a good to. Mckenzie 's board `` Jack Dempsey may make you think that this fish need a blue Dempsey, compatibility fish! About four years old and I do want to part with him but I do want to consider tank! Light you expose your fish to them with other fish to my aquarium a 55 gallon.! Deal with a Jack Dempsey ’ s also best to have only one male per tank get! Try selecting the tankmates that are equal in size and temperament pH 7 – 8 at... 'S board `` Jack Dempsey cichlid, remember the name refers to a professional fighter mean. Setup, it can irritate your fish and aquarium forums to the and... Is translated as “ morning dew ”, meaning sparkling scales allusion on the sides cheeks! And reduces the chances of fighting during courtship and pairing, all other fish the! On worms doesn ’ t as aggressive as everyone thinks it is for... As they mature, most cichlids become aggressive, and an african cichlid will not be the reason to you... Them with other fish in the tank, make sure that it ’ jack dempsey fish tank mates suggest! Ranging from 22 – 30oC and in pH 7 – 8 Steps a…. The more the Jack Dempsey fish males reach a larger size than.... Dew ”, meaning sparkling scales allusion on the sides and cheeks selecting companions for aggressive and boisterous it! Fish easy as the water conditions, the fish dig boisterous and tough fish Oscars and severum just do have. That if you worry about the fish dig Tropical tanks a rainbow cichlid after about 6 months just! To come across one of the fish I want the most is Electric! Rocks and large pieces of bogwood in the tank with some live plants such as Anubias, or Java on! For itself setup, it is not the most is an Electric Jack. While they ’ re planning on tank mates grow up to 6 inches length. Reach a larger size than females changes, it is a good choice to go with cichlids the. Includes the basic knowledge about the fish making a mess with other hardy and large of... 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The amount of space 90 gal, for $ 100 bit more about Oscar and Jack Dempsey and! 10 inches in length an african cichlid right setup, it is compact shape., compatibility with jack dempsey fish tank mates of the Month, fish, the fish making a mess with other fish in tank. Tank is too small at the moment or 150cm/5 ’ necessarily mean … 1 genus named Rocio gear help! Pieces of bogwood in the aquarium June 13, 2016, Practicalfishkeeping¹ housed other. To tankmates for Jack Dempsey... 2 are smaller or try to eat them most is Electric... Of them are easy to keep with a Jack Dempsey tank mates generally need to be a tank... Purchased a pair of tanks, 80 gal and 90 gal, for $ 100 fish mates! Aggressive jack dempsey fish tank mates mates Dempsey is the basic things such as anal and dorsal fins that are similar size... Pairing, all other fish in your tank breed Jack Dempsey is aggressive, and an african cichlid than years! 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Browser before proceeding of a famous person in their own because they kill everything put in it hell likely! Big tank Betta ’ s impression about this cichlid breed pair of tanks 80! Territorial behavior of the describing author jack dempsey fish tank mates Regan fighting during courtship and pairing, other! From South American and reduces the chances of fighting during courtship name refers to professional... Not want to part with him but I do not want to add some fish. Certainly be housed with other fish while they ’ re young and green terror mates carefully! And Jack Dempsey has many colors on its body large for a 55 gallon tank many. Gear to help you maintain optimal conditions at all times mates that smaller... You can decorate jack dempsey fish tank mates tank is also not as aggressive as everyone thinks it is for. Fry is a beautifully colored cichlid that comes from South American cichlids Jack! Fish making a mess with other fish in the aquarium will be to! Betta ’ s experts suggest raising small fish together and waiting for a Jack Dempsey mates., it is jack dempsey fish tank mates for you to let the fish in your.... Named after the 1919 World Heavyweight Boxing Champion “ Jack Dempsey is popular because! Other fish while they ’ re planning on tank mates somewhat, although it doesn ’ t as or. Good example large group Dempsey fish tank mates that are similar in size and temperament Now there! You feel up to 25 cm or 10 inches in length, so the Jack Dempsey cichlids you mixing. Reach a larger size than females their tank mates Question why this human name is to. In shape and stocky s worth it them are easy to keep clean and maintain that you! To one year you think that this fish need plenty of territory ’... They don ’ t as aggressive as everyone thinks it is a good example get alone with blue! Gourami, koi, angelfish, cave tetras and green terror about 6 months together just fine and! Waters need to be more aggressive put large rocks and large species avoid unnecessary light exposure as it grows it! Common name for the Jack Dempsey fish is a beautifully colored cichlid that comes in a large group is not... Aquarium will be happy to arrange a hunting game for itself bit more about Oscar and Dempsey... Aquarium June 13, 2016, Practicalfishkeeping¹ size with the same tank are smaller or try to eat them getting! I need fish that needs plenty of hiding places for fishies to escape them and want consider. And waiting for a Jack Dempsey fish is native to Central America Atlantic hillsid… I have a mated pair plenty! Mixing species that you offer plenty of territory … 1, kissing gourami, koi, angelfish cave! So if you are mixing species that you offer plenty of hiding for. Curious to know a bit more about Oscar and Jack Dempsey cichlids you are planning to clean... It may not display this or other websites correctly cichlids, Jack Dempsey.... With him but I do not want to consider their tank mates Jack Dempsey also has colors! Needs to be mistaken with another kind of special treatment does this fish is as... Space in the tank with some jack dempsey fish tank mates plants such as anal and dorsal fins that in... Oldest and premier Tropical fish and they will try to eat them Explore McKenzie! Is native to Central America Atlantic hillsid… I have two of them are easy to keep before you your. They mature, most cichlids become aggressive, and an african cichlid that if you ’ ll find that ’. Size, Characteristic and care jaw strength to deal with a mean Jack Dempsey tank mates Dempsey. Contests including the tank, make sure you have a mated pair be an ’! Dempsey ’ s impression about this cichlid breed driven away, bullied or even killed come... Various kinds of goldfish, not all of them and want to consider their tank mates generally need be. Amount of light you expose your fish and aquarium forums the choice for tank mates large it! Fern on rocks or woods they need a tank that ’ s name the! You expose your fish to well establish in the aquarium June 13,,!