Choosing a Jack Dempsey

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One of the most popular of the cichlid family, Jack Dempsey's (Chichlosoma octofasciatum) are natives of the Yucatan and Central America where they are found in slow moving waters. These fish grow quickly, are easy to raise and feed, but don't get along well with other species.

Appearance and Behavior

Jack Dempsey's are beautiful fish. They are marked with a green iridescent scale that is particularly noticeable when displayed in a dark room with soft aquarium lighting. The males are larger and more brightly colored. They can grow to 10" and liveJumboKrill Freeze Dried Jumbo Shrimp
These whole, freeze-dried shrimp are an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamin E and roughage for all large, carnivorous tropical and marine fish. ... up to 10 years. These fish grow rapidly and often need a larger tankEclipse Curved-Front Aquarium System
Marineland/Aquaria Eclipse Aquarium System has unique combinations of beauty, precision and 3-stage BIO- Wheel filtration efficiency, the Eclipse Aqua... within a year. Breeding pairs lay their eggs on clean rock40lb Look Alive Reef Rock
Why wait? CaribSea 40lb Look Alive Reef Rock are already in living color! We begin with actual pieces of real coral rock, then add pink and green cora... and both parents guard the eggs and fry. These fish are aggressive and territorial and will actively attack and bite intruders. This behavior is magnified during breeding and nesting.

Jack Dempsey's are active diggers and will destroy plantsAquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia
Barron's Aquarium Plants Mini Encyclopedia includes hundreds of different aquarium plants are illustrated in color with detailed descriptions of e... and alter rock formations to suit their own needs. Larger rocks should be secured with aquarium sealant to prevent avalanches. A deep gravel bottom satisfies the need to dig. Hiding places are essential. A small clay pot turned on its side works well. Water temperature should be maintained between 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, pH 6.5 to 7.0.

Feeding

Jack Dempsey's are hearty eaters and will eat a combination of live, flakeFormula One Flakes
Ocean Nutrition Formula One Flakes; Extra Algae with fresh seafood's make this a gourmet natural food for herbivorous marine and freshwater fishes... and pelleted foods. Beef heart, feeder goldfishTetraFin Goldfish Flakes
When fed two to three times daily, this special formula, TetraFin Goldfish Flakes meets all nutritional requirements of cold-water fish and will ... and fish fillets are all accepted. They have been observed to eat algaeMarine Algaefix
Marine Algaefix is EPA-registered as reef-safe. Algaefix® Marine controls many types of algae in marine & reef aquariums. It will not harm marine fish....

Special Comments

Keep only larger species capable of defending themselves with these fish. Oscars and convicts may work. Expect territorial disputes and injuries although many fish may come to an "armed truce". Many hobbyists report that Jack Dempsey's are a very personable fish. They will quickly come to recognize people who belong in the household from strangers. They have been observed begging for food and will jump out of the water if tempted with a tidbit.