Jack Dempsey

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) comes from slow waters of southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize and reaches about 20 to 25 cm. Adults are dark charcoal covered in iridescent blue-green and gold spangles, with males larger and more heavily marked. The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey on sale is a recessive colour form of the same species, generally smaller and noticeably less robust. An adult needs 300 litres or more at 24-28C, pH 6.5 to 8.0 in moderately hard water, with a sand bed, large stones, wood and hiding places. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen krill, mysis and earthworm-based foods; avoid mammal meat. Aggression is real and increases with maturity: it will dig up plants, rearrange decor and defend a spawning site against the whole tank. Keep it with similarly sized, similarly assertive cichlids, or as a pair on its own, and design the layout with broken sight lines so a chased fish can get out of view. It is intelligent and interactive with its keeper, which is a large part of the appeal.

• How active is a Jack Dempsey?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Jack Dempsey need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Jack Dempsey need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Jack Dempsey a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Jack Dempsey live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Jack Dempsey?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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