Common name:Jack dempsy Scientific name: Rocio Octofasciatum Family: Cichlidae Origin: Central America Max Size: 9" Temp:72-78 F. Care: The Dempsey is definitely not for the community tank.While they may be kept with other fish of similar size, the Dempsey is best kept in a species tank. How do i care for the fry? The electric blue Jack Dempsey (around $30) is one of those varieties. Of course, that range depends on the quality of their care. Tank Mates : Try to keep them with fish of similar temperament (other Central American Cichlids). 1. See more ideas about fish, freshwater aquarium fish, aquarium fish. Your Jack Dempseys won’t bully anyone if they aren’t the biggest fish in the pond (so to speak). 2 0. ... Overview. Reigning champion from 1919-1926, Dempsey had the nickname the “Manassa Mauler.”. The Jack Dempsey fish will grow to between 10 to 15 inches in size. When they are juvenile, they can be only 2-3 inches in size, which might mislead some fish owners, especially beginners. A good rule of thumb when determining an appropriate size tank for larger cichlids is 1.5x the fish's length for the width of the tank and 4x the fish for the length of the tank. The Jack Dempsey is a medium-to-large fish, which grows to a maximum of an adult size of 10″, but the range is 8-10″, (20-25 cm). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Two or three adults would be happy with a tank that holds from 55 to 150 gallons. If you’ve done all of your work correctly, though, you may or may not notice this as readily as the other cues. And, crazy as it sounds, the more fish you stock into your tank, the better off everyone will be. If the ammonia or nitrate goes above 0 ppm, it’ll start to impact the immune system of your Jack Dempseys. Most of the time, the reason why breeders fail is because most of the identified fish is hand-picked and then selected to be added together usually after their sexual maturity age. As the Jack Dempsey originally come from Central America, the water should be alkaline and little bit harder (dGH 1… It’ll leach into the water and increase the pH and hardness. As such, consider using sand or fine gravel on your tank bottom. And make sure there are flat stones at the bottom of the tank – your Jack Dempseys need them for an egg-laying site! If you are planning to have only one Jack Dempsey, you will need a tank that can hold 55-60 gallons. 1. You’ll see pits forming on your Jack Dempsey’s head. what my question is how do i breed them? Originally, Jack Dempsey fish inhabited shallow, slow-moving waters in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. If left untreated, lesions result, and develop pockets of mucus. Ensuring that you allow plenty of room to grow, stay on top of diet needs, and minimize triggers for fighting among the group (if you keep a school) will boost those years toward the maximum. Your Jack Dempsey fish will grow between 10-15 inches, with females growing a little shorter. they are in a 55 gallon fish tank alone with sand substrate is this okay? Jack Dempseys will pursue and kill other fish once they’ve paired off and settled down to mate. Jack Dempsey Habitat and Tank Conditions Many aquarists think the nasty streak Jack Dempsey fish are known for means they can’t fit into community aquariums. It’s better to … So, they need a tank that’s at least 80 gallons. ... but mostly it's just waste building up in the tank and harming the fish's health, causing disease. Fans of South American cichlids know and love Jack Dempsey fish (Rocio octofasciata). How to make a fish tank that is suitable for Jack Dempsey? And while they require some careful management, they integrate into select community aquariums without a problem. If you want a better compromise, though, consider floating plants. Genus: Rocio 8. So if you feel up to the task and have the room, it’s worth it. Smaller than the standard Jack Dempsey, this fish has iridescent blue scales. As juveniles, they’re grey; adults take on gorgeous hues; spawners go almost black. Jack Dempsey fish have a sturdy reputation. Common Name: Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Max Size: 12″ pH: 6.0-8.0 Hardness: Hard Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Aggressive Region of Origin: Central America Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Flake or pellet, frozen and live food Compatibility: Alone, in pairs, or with similarly sized Central or South American cichlids Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons Since Jack Dempseys like slow-moving waters, you won’t need any pumps. They crush and release food to feed the tiny fry until they’re large enough to swim independently. If you wait until your Jack Dempseys are mature and pair two together, you could end up with a brutalized female. Fish Lore's aquarium forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005! While Jack Dempsey fish reach impressive sizes and look stunning in a tropical aquarium, they aren’t out of reach – even for aquarists of modest means. Just choose one that only grows to 6 or 7 inches max. When setting up your tank for Jack Dempseys, you want to make sure the conditions are as close as possible to their native habitat. When breeding, these colors will … Two means increasing to a 100-gallon (400 l) tank. This is dangerous, and repeated attacks may kill her. Whether invading Australia and Thailand or haunting cenotes in South America, Jack Dempseys prefer tropical climes. You must log in or register to reply here. So while tetras frequent the same regions in the wild, you should skip adding them to your community aquarium. If breeding is your goal, you’ll want to set everyone up in the same tank from the beginning. Only house your Jack Dempsey with fish that are similar in size and aggression. First of all, the tank must be large enough. Ian. Jack Dempsey Fish Tank Requirements. [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 . There's plenty of other Central & South American Cichlids to choose from. Therefore a standard 50G tank(36x18) can house up to a 9" fish alone or with a few tank mates that will not get in its way. when do they become sexually mature? You’ll know the time’s right when your fish darken in color. Their colors, under stress, change. This leads novice aquarists to believe the fish will stay relatively small and live happily in a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium. The Jack Dempsey fish are found in slow-moving– or even still – warm water with a sandy bottom and a lot of hiding spots, and it is with this in mind that I shall now proceed to discuss the tank setup. Of course, if you want one of the rarer color variations out there, you’ll have to pay more. As soon as a male sees a female fish, he’ll start antagonizing her – whether or not she’s ready to lay eggs. This variety is slightly smaller and less aggressive. Jack Dempsey fish are sexually dimorphic, with males growing larger than females. However, you can now find established populations in Australia and Thailand, where they’re known as Mexican blue frontosa. Setting the temperature to 84°F (29°C) triggers the spawning drive. Each fish needs a cave to call their own, with plenty of space around it. Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) crops up whenever poor nutrition happens. Get a Big Tank. They are smaller in the wild than they are in the home aquarium They have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Since you already have the tank it might be worth considering other slightly smaller. If you’re a fan of Jack Dempseys but leery of that aggressive streak – and you have money saved up – the electric blue variety may be up your aisle. Your best bet for harmony is to choose fish of a similar size and attitude. Your Jack Dempseys will end up with TOO MANY options to pick a fight. (Females have fewer spots across their bodies than males). I prefer a nice red mix with a blue. Jack Dempsey fish males reach a larger size than females. However, make sure you incorporate some live, frozen, or freeze-dried protein options into the mix. You CANNOT leave them in the community tank, or you’ll end up with utter devastation. As adults, Jack Dempsey cichlids will be between 8 and 12 inches long. You shouldn’t expect to see that in your tank, though. Dither fish are schooling species that show nervous fish everything’s okay – maintaining normal activity levels. If you’re only looking to add one Jack Dempsey fish (perhaps as a centerpiece), an 80-gallon or 300 l tank will do the trick. They need careful management for their aggressive streak, but that much beauty is worth it. Usually, The Jack Dempsey fish can reach a length of up to 10-15 inches. Ensure that their water moves decently, but not too rapidly. It’s nothing personal; it’s just their way. Jack Dempsey are large, aggressive fish. Both parents guard the young over the next ten days. Anubias, Java Fern, and Vallisneria provide great hiding cover for them and root deep into the substrate. Adults should be purchased as singles. It is a very colorful , hardy, and aggressive fish. Keep a thermometer … Minimum Tank Size 55 gallons Compatibility View Chart. Morphology. They max out at 7-8 inches. His ruthless reputation and profile struck a chord with biologists, and they passed the name onto the fish. In the wild, Jack Dempseys stick to slow-moving streams and rivers. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. (A separate breeding tank is MANDATORY!). A 50 gallon would still be too small. And while it’s popular to mix invertebrates into tanks these days, they don’t work well with Jack Dempseys! The female then lays up to 500 eggs on the surface. Order: Perciformes 5. If the tank is very large (100 or more) you can keep a couple of adults. For more information, please check our, How to Properly Care for Rosy Red Minnows, Pregnant Ghost Shrimp – What to Look for, What to Do. The stress will result in your fish showing paler colors – your head’s up that there’s a problem. The breeding tank should stay as clean and conditioned as your community tank. However, they still need top water quality and a balanced diet to prevent some nasty health problems. This will accommodate one Jack Dempsey. Settling into the tropical waters, the Jack Dempseys are now invasive species in those regions. And they aren’t picky about where that protein comes from. Rough purchase size 4-5cm The Jack Dempsey is a popular freshwater fish that originates in the murky warm waters of Central America. It has a base color of dark brown to gray, and displays many iridescent blue and green spots, giving this fish a spectacular look. It’s an essential lesson on NEVER releasing unwanted fish into the wild. Jack Dempsey fish are frequently sold as juveniles, measuring 2 to 3 inches in length. A quick video of how to care for Jack Dempsey cichlid fish with tips on breeding, diet, aggression, size, and tank mates. Jack Dempsey fish frequent streams with slightly soft, acidic waters. 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. These non-American populations arose from escapees (intentional or otherwise). As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Family: Cichlidae 6. A 55-gallon will only just cut it, and many would say that even that is not large enough, that a 90-gallon is needed. After three days, the eggs hatch. Fish run around $5 – $10, on average. Jack Dempsey fish fall squarely on the carnivore side of the menu. Tank measurements. You can find processed fish foods designed with carnivores in mind. If you’re contemplating adding Jack Dempsey fish to your community tank (or setting up a tank of strictly Jack Dempseys), make sure you’re ready for the commitment. Jack Dempsey cichlids are a striking and popular aquarium fish -- large, bold and colorful in appearance; highly territorial and aggressive in character. NO other fish can go in the breeding tank! Do you have Jack Dempseys? This particular variety has a less aggressive reputation than its larger cousin. Crowded fish never achieve their full potential. 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. 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. 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. Jack Dempseys earned their name from the heavyweight boxer of the same name. They’re also the best options when you’re getting fish ready for breeding: And just because they prefer the meaty side of things doesn’t mean you should neglect their servings of vegetables. Unless you want to run the risk of mutant fry, purchase your male and female Jack Dempsey fish from different stores. Class: Actinopterygii 4. should i remove them when free swimmers? Jack Dempseys tolerate bogs, irrigation ditches, and streams. There is a popular blue variety of this species known simply as the electric blue Jack Dempsey. The average size of a Jack Dempsey in adulthood can be 10-15 inches at most. Like any other cichlid, Jack Dempseys enjoy digging in the substrate and rearranging all of your hard work. Get someone to draw a cichlid, or simply describe one, and he or she will probably get close to a Jack Dempsey: large, thick-set, big eater and too boisterous and predatory for the average community tank. And you can skip extra air stones – you won’t need to supplement the water current for these bruisers. Species: R. octofasciata Max a captive male can get is about 12 inches females are about max a captive females is 10 a wild for both genders is about 2 more inches. 11 Perfectly Quiet Wave Makers for Great Water Flow, Introduction to Aquarium Fertilization Products, Reverse Osmosis Deionization: 5 Top Rated Filtration Units, Natural pH Control in a Freshwater Aquarium: a Practical Beginners Guide, A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Chiller for Your Aquarium, Protein Skimmer: Ultimate Buying Guide plus 11 Reviews. As the Jack Dempsey originally come from Central America, the water should be alkaline and little bit harder (dGH 18.0 – 30.0 °N ~ 321 – 535 ppm ~ 6.43 – 10.72 mEq, and pH of 7.0 – 8.5). Jack Dempsey fish stick to the carnivore side of the menu, so they won’t eat the plants in the tank, but their digging can uproot anything you try to use. Baby Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) Building Up Aquarium Jacks can also attack each other. These fish can grow up to 25 cm (10 inches) in length, so it is recommended to keep a single specimen in a rather larger tank - ideally 100 US gallons (378 liters / 83 imperial gallons) per adult fish. Sand will settle back out when your Jack Dempsey finishes digging. Waiting until your fish naturally pair off together prevents that damage. In Central and Southern America, you can find them in natural caves. can my jack dempsey cichlid survive in a 20 gallon tall tank? First off, this very fish species should be housed in a tank with a minimum carrying capacity of about 190 liters – and maybe a bigger tank depending on the number of fish you are attempting to keep therein.The tank should have a dark sandy substrate – finely grained sand should be utilized. If you are planning to have 4-6 fish, do not forget to get a tank that can hold 100-120 gallons of water. A filter will serve this purpose nicely. Of course, males have that more aggressive streak. When first added to a new tank, Jack Dempseys often scatter to caves and into plants – even if you bring home a group. Your Jack Dempseys won’t bother them, and they’ll cut down on the lighting, creating the dim conditions your fish prefer: Don’t forget that shy side to your Jack Dempseys. These brutes pack a powerful combination of attitude and stunning colors. In the wild, males top out around 15 inches (38 cm), and the females get approximately 10 inches (25 cm). Most aquarists know Jack Dempsey fish have an aggressive reputation. But they aren’t as familiar with the shy side of this colorful fish. If you only keep one in a tank, you’ll keep bullying problems to a minimum. Size: Grows to 12" How many to buy: Juveniles can be purchased in groups of similar sized dempseys. 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. Jack Dempsey Fish Size. JDs need a bare minimum of 100 gallons. How big do Jack Dempsey fish get? Of course, you can’t go wrong with any of the Jack Dempseys. Jack Dempsey cichlids are an aggressive species of fish that needs plenty of territory. But skip “cichlid sands.” They contain aragonite – a form of calcium carbonite. Tank Size. And if you don’t have experience with territorial fish, you should skip this cichlid. These sassy cichlids have a lifespan between 8-15 years. When breeding, these colors will intensify. Jack Dempseys have generally longer bodies and long flowy fins. My Jack Dempsey Fish Is Attacking Its Tank Mates. They can get up 15 inches. 10 years ago. It’ll also provide another dark place for them to retreat to. Whether you decide to make homemade fish food or chop and add veggies now and then, a dose of greens still matters: Breeding Jack Dempsey fish requires a separate breeding tank and patience. Aquarium Size : 55 gallon minimum for one Jack Dempsey, much larger for multiples. Ensuring plenty of cave options to allow everyone to set up a territory is another option. Separate your smaller fish from your Jack. Just one or a school? The coloration changes as the fish matures from a light gray or tan with light turquoise flecks to a dark purple-gray with very bright, iridescent flecks of blue, green and gold. Aquarists recognize the sloping profile and aggressive nature of Jack Dempseys. Ok. They will attack and harass tank mates that are smaller or try to eat them. Jack Dempsey fish is native to Central America Atlantic hillsid… Cichlids are opportunistic feeders, and they have no problem snatching up your freshwater shrimp or snails. They also sport a brighter coloration, though that may get difficult to see during spawning season (more on that in a minute). You can ease this flighty panic by introducing your Jack Dempseys into a community aquarium with established dither fish. As such, aim for a pH level of 6.0-7.0 and a hardness of 9-20 dH. In the wild, males top out around 15 inches (38 cm), and the females get approximately 10 inches (25 cm). The young fish are often “packed” into a display tank at the aquarium shop. JavaScript is disabled. So check the fins, size, and then do a spot count. This gives them somewhere to hide, with a territory to defend. The dorsal and anal fins are longer in size and come to sharper points. Water temperatures as high as 86°F (30°C) don’t phase them, and they prefer lower light levels. You shouldn’t expect to see that in your tank, though. There pretty fish it's just I dont like the electric blues. Their large size, combined with their aggressive territoriality, means they must have a large amount of space. Sorry, but your 42 gallon bowfront would be too small. This will ensure that you have different bloodlines. Share your stories and questions with us here! Phylum: Chordata 3. This fish is named after the former heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Dempsey. A Silent & Reliable Canister Filter: Which Brand to Trust? Remember their wild cousins live in slow-moving, tropical waters, such as canals, lakes, murky rivers and swamps. Size. Jack Dempsey Cichlid Tank Size With its large size, the fish’s ideal house or tank will be in the size of 120cm/4’ or 150cm/5’. And you’re still better off keeping one male in a group of females to maintain the peace. Begin with at least a 55-gallon tropical freshwater tank. Youd be hard pressed to find a male dempsey in the hobby over 10" or a female beyond 8" to be honest. Of course, if the parents get stressed, they eat their fry, so make sure you keep everyone happy. The following fish work out surprisingly well: And, of course, if you want to keep a tank full of Jack Dempseys, you have that option. No one’s quite sure whether they’re a variant of a wild type or engineered from selective breeding. Kingdom: Animalia 2. To provide your Jack Demp… Which means a JD could be totally fine in your tank...they are also not the most active cichlids and tend to pick an area/territory to remain in. Youd be hard pressed to find a male dempsey in the hobby over 10" or a female beyond 8" to be honest. how can i trigger spawning? Watch for aggressiveness and remove or use an aquarium divider if necessary. (But don’t overcrowd the tank!). A good rule of thumb when determining an appropriate size tank for larger cichlids is 1.5x the fish's length for the width of the tank and 4x the fish for the length of the tank. Feb 14, 2020 - Explore Deverick McKenzie's board "Jack Dempsey Fish" on Pinterest. How to Keep Jack Dempseys and Oscars in the Same Tank. If you can find one, the Electric Blue Acara's seem to have displaced them somewhat. In captivity, a more reasonable expectation is to see your male Jack Dempseys around that 10-inch (25 cm) mark, with females smaller at 8 inches (20 cm). 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( but don ’ t the biggest fish in the home aquarium they have a between. Fish owners, especially beginners will clean off their chosen rock by blowing the sand away nature Jack... Leads novice aquarists to believe the fish females to maintain the peace to. Or nitrate goes above 0 ppm, it ’ ll have to pay more provide another dark place for and. Gives them somewhere to hide, with plenty of territory aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists 2005. 84°F ( 29°C ) triggers the spawning drive browser before proceeding Dempseys tolerate bogs, irrigation ditches and! Gallon bowfront would be happy with a tank that holds from 55 to 150 gallons ruthless reputation profile. '' how many to buy: juveniles can be 10-15 inches at.... Profile struck a chord with biologists, and they have no problem snatching up your freshwater shrimp or.! Sloping profile and aggressive nature of Jack Dempseys earned their name from the beginning,,! 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