Why is my Jack Dempsey always hiding?

If your Jack Dempsey is hiding, it may be stressed by bright lighting, poor water quality, or a lack of secure hiding spots. Ensure the tank has plenty of large caves and driftwood to make them feel secure. They can also take several weeks to adjust to a new environment.

Can I keep a Jack Dempsey in a community tank?

Not in a standard community tank. They will eat smaller fish like tetras and guppies. They can only be kept in a 'cichlid community' with other large, robust, and equally assertive species in a very large aquarium (350+ litres).

How fast do Jack Dempseys grow?

They grow relatively quickly during their first year, often achieving an inch of growth per month when fed a high-quality diet in pristine water, before their growth rate slows down significantly as they approach adult size.

What is an Electric Blue Jack Dempsey?

The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (EBJD) is a naturally occurring genetic mutation that exhibits brilliant, almost solid neon blue colouration. They are generally slightly smaller, less aggressive, and unfortunately more delicate in terms of health than the standard variety.

Will they destroy my live plants?

Yes, Jack Dempseys are notorious for digging in the substrate and will likely uproot most rooted plants. If you want greenery, use tough plants like Anubias or Java Fern securely tied to heavy driftwood or rocks.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata

Named after the legendary heavyweight boxer, the Jack Dempsey is a robust, vibrantly spangled Central American cichlid renowned for its assertive personality.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 30 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 8
Hardness: 8 – 22 dGH
Adult size: 20 – 25 cm
for a single adult; 350L+ for a pair or community: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: slow_to_moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate with large rocks, driftwood, and robust caves. Plants may be uprooted, so use tough epiphytes attached to hardscape.

About the Jack Dempsey

The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a staple of the large cichlid hobby. Named after the 1920s heavyweight boxing champion William Harrison 'Jack' Dempsey due to its strong facial features and combative nature, this species boasts spectacular iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling over a dark body. While they are undeniably beautiful, they require careful planning, as their impressive size and formidable temperament mean they cannot be kept in a standard community aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Jack Dempsey against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Jack Dempsey comes from

Native range

Central America, Papaloapan River Basin, Ulúa River Basin

Countries / regions

Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras

Habitat

Inhabits sluggish, warm waters including marshes, drainage canals, swamps, and slow-moving rivers, typically with muddy or sandy substrates and dense vegetation.

They have also been introduced to various parts of the world, including the USA and Australia, where they are considered an invasive species.

Similar species

Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
Salvini Cichlid
Trichromis salvini
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Large, fast-moving and robust enough to avoid the Jack Dempsey's aggression, occupying the upper levels of the tank.
Great
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
Armoured and large enough to withstand territorial disputes, though adequate space must be provided.
Great
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
Can co-exist in very large aquariums (500L+), but both are highly territorial cichlids that may clash if space is limited.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Far too small; will be easily viewed as prey and eaten by an adult Jack Dempsey.
Not recommended
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Too small and slow; they may be attacked or eaten, and their defensive spines can cause fatal choking in the cichlid.
Not recommended

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