Cichlasoma octofasciatum

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Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey
Species	Cichlasoma octofasciatum
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	208.198 liters 208,197.648 mL 55 US Gallons (208.2L)
Size	9.843 in 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8")
pH	7.0 - 8.0
Temp.	295.15 K 71.6 °F 531.27 °R 303.15 K 86 °F 545.67 °R22 -30 °C (71.6-86°F)
Water Hardness	9-20
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Common
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	8-12 years

[edit] Alternative names

Jack Dempsey

[edit] Other Scientific Names

Archocentrus octofasciatus, Nandopsis octofasciatum, Cichlasoma octofasciata

[edit] Sexing

Females are paler in colour to the more vivid males. Females fins are rounded whereas males are long and pointed, see Identification.

[edit] Breeding

Once a pair has formed, Jack Dempseys can be exceptionally prolific parents. They will dig a pit in the substrate in which eggs will be laid, and the pair will guard the eggs and fry ferociously until they are ready to be moved on. Spawn sizes can number into the hundreds. Once a pair has bred once they will continue to do so on a regular basis.

[edit] Tank compatibility

An aggressive fish that does not play well with others. Best kept in a species tank. Although in some instances they can be housed with robust fish such as larger Barbs, but this will depend entirely on the individual fish's temperament.

[edit] Diet

Carnivorous, will take cichlid pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp and other live or frozen foods.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Prefers a slow current with soft substrate. Hiding places are a must and they will dig, so artificial plants over live would suit them better, or plants that are rooted to decor may work such as Java Fern. They will thrive best with immaculate water quality, so good filtration and frequent water changes are a must, they are, however, tolerant of water temperature and will even cope with water in the sixties (fahrenheit).

[edit] Behaviour

An aggressive fish intolerant of others. Likes to dig in the substrate and will dig vigorously during spawning.

[edit] Identification

A slightly elongated fish with lateral compression, the males dorsal and anal fins are exceptionally pointed and can be long enough to reach to the middle of the caudal fin. The males can also exhibit a nuchal hump when mature. The females are shorter and more rounded. The caudal fin is fan-shaped. They are attractively coloured, often deep green-blue in base colour and covered with lighter coloured spots or flecks. Vertical bands are visible down the flanks.

[edit] Species Variation - Blue Jack Dempsey

The Blue Jack Dempsey (BJD), or Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, is now being seen more often in the pet trade. It is not a separate species (although initially given the name Rocio octofasciata), but a colour variation. It is vivid pale blue with mottled black markings. For more details on this fish, read the Practical Fishkeeping Article.

[edit] Pictures

Jack Dempsey

Jack Dempsey Closeup

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Wikipedia
• Badmans Tropical Fish