Jack Dempsey care guide
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a robust Central American cichlid named after the famous American boxer for its aggressive temperament. Adults develop a stout dark body covered with iridescent blue, green and gold scaling, especially in males.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Rocio
- Scientific name: Rocio octofasciata
- Common synonyms: Electric Blue Jack Dempsey
Habitat
Native to slow waters of the Atlantic drainage of southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Occurs in warm, weedy canals, swamps and lake margins with soft substrates and abundant cover.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 20-25 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
A carnivore in the wild that takes small fishes, crustaceans, worms and insect larvae. In captivity it accepts quality cichlid pellets, frozen and live foods (mysis, krill, earthworm, chopped mussel); avoid mammalian fats and feeder fish.
Compatibility
Territorial and predatory; will eat smaller tank mates and chase or kill weaker competitors. Suitable only for very large set-ups with other robust Central American cichlids — Firemouth, Salvini, Convict, large Pleco. Not a community-tank fish.
Breeding
A substrate spawner. Pairs spawn on a flat rock or pit, lay several hundred eggs and aggressively guard the brood; both parents tend the wrigglers and free-swimming fry for several weeks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widespread in the native Mesoamerican range and feral populations have established in several warm regions worldwide.