Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Care Guide
The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a selectively bred metallic-blue line of Rocio octofasciata, a Central American cichlid from Mexico to Honduras.
Overview
The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a selectively bred line of the Jack Dempsey cichlid, Rocio octofasciata, displaying a solid metallic blue body. The base species is native to Central America from southern Mexico to Honduras. The blue form arises from a genetic mutation and is reported to be smaller and more delicate than the wild type.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Rocio
- Scientific name: Rocio octofasciata
- Note: "Electric Blue" is a selectively bred colour line, not a separate species
Habitat
The wild Jack Dempsey occurs in slow-moving freshwater environments including swamps, canals and the lower reaches of rivers and streams, often in warm, murky water and mangroves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 15-22 cm (blue form smaller)
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
It is a carnivore. The wild form consumes worms, crustaceans, insects and other fish, and captive specimens accept a range of meaty and prepared foods.
Compatibility
The Jack Dempsey is an aggressive, territorial species, though the Electric Blue line is reported to be somewhat less aggressive. Suitable companions are robust fish such as large plecos or other Jack Dempseys; small tetras and plants should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner with strong biparental care. Females lay roughly 500-800 eggs on flat surfaces, and parents become highly aggressive while guarding the spawn.