You also need to keep an eye out for two skin flukes: The flukes use an adapted mouth part to attach to the skin and gill cover of your Jack Dempsey. Jack Dempsey fish frequent streams with slightly soft, acidic waters. can my jack dempsey cichlid survive in a 20 gallon tall tank? How to make a fish tank that is suitable for Jack Dempsey? Do you have Jack Dempseys? 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. Jack Dempsey Fish Tank Requirements. It’s better to … If breeding is your goal, you’ll want to set everyone up in the same tank from the beginning. 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. Genus: Rocio 8. 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. However, getting to see two fish working together to raise their fry is a unique experience. regular water changes usually is enough to control this. His ruthless reputation and profile struck a chord with biologists, and they passed the name onto the fish. You’ll know the time’s right when your fish darken in color. Morphology. 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. I would recommend a tank of at least 6 feet for a. I would recommend a tank of at least 6 feet for a JD. Reigning champion from 1919-1926, Dempsey had the nickname the “Manassa Mauler.”. Baby Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) Building Up Aquarium 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’. 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). they are about 4-6 inches each. Jack Dempsey fish is native to Central America Atlantic hillsid… Size: Grows to 12" How many to buy: Juveniles can be purchased in groups of similar sized dempseys. How do i care for the fry? As such, aim for a pH level of 6.0-7.0 and a hardness of 9-20 dH. There pretty fish it's just I dont like the electric blues. ... Overview. 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. Aquarium Size : 55 gallon minimum for one Jack Dempsey, much larger for multiples. But they aren’t as familiar with the shy side of this colorful fish. Your best bet for harmony is to choose fish of a similar size and attitude. The Jack Dempsey is a popular freshwater fish that originates in the murky warm waters of Central America. when do they become sexually mature? The dorsal and anal fins are longer in size and come to sharper points. ... but mostly it's just waste building up in the tank and harming the fish's health, causing disease. Just choose one that only grows to 6 or 7 inches max. Still would be like putting a 20 ft shark in a 30 ft tank. Each lesion is a potential source for infection to invade. (But don’t overcrowd the tank!). Size. Class: Actinopterygii 4. 1. Remember their wild cousins live in slow-moving, tropical waters, such as canals, lakes, murky rivers and swamps. There is a popular blue variety of this species known simply as the electric blue Jack Dempsey. Order: Perciformes 5. Whether invading Australia and Thailand or haunting cenotes in South America, Jack Dempseys prefer tropical climes. First of all, the tank must be large enough. Jack Dempsey fish are sexually dimorphic, with males growing larger than females. Two or three adults would be happy with a tank that holds from 55 to 150 gallons. 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. 1. If you plan on keeping more fish, an increase in tank size is a must. I have a male and female jack dempseys. Jack Dempsey Fish Size. These non-American populations arose from escapees (intentional or otherwise). They crush and release food to feed the tiny fry until they’re large enough to swim independently. Two means increasing to a 100-gallon (400 l) tank. And you can skip extra air stones – you won’t need to supplement the water current for these bruisers. The Jack Dempsey fish will grow to between 10 to 15 inches in size. This is dangerous, and repeated attacks may kill her. This will accommodate one Jack Dempsey. They need careful management for their aggressive streak, but that much beauty is worth it. If you only keep one in a tank, you’ll keep bullying problems to a minimum. Separate your smaller fish from your Jack. I prefer a nice red mix with a blue. Keep a close eye on your water quality. how can i trigger spawning? The minimum tank size should be 55 gallonsto satisfy each fish’s territorial instinct. Fixing the diet will resolve the problem, as will checking to make sure your water quality hasn’t slipped. Many aquarists think the nasty streak Jack Dempsey fish are known for means they can’t fit into community aquariums. Your Jack Dempseys will end up with TOO MANY options to pick a fight. Sorry, but your 42 gallon bowfront would be too small. For more information, please check our, How to Properly Care for Rosy Red Minnows, Pregnant Ghost Shrimp – What to Look for, What to Do. After all, these AREN’T schooling fish! Both parents guard the young over the next ten days. When first added to a new tank, Jack Dempseys often scatter to caves and into plants – even if you bring home a group. Jack Dempseys tolerate bogs, irrigation ditches, and streams. And if you don’t have experience with territorial fish, you should skip this cichlid. Jack dempsey Fish Tank Size. Their colors, under stress, change. Ensure that their water moves decently, but not too rapidly. This gives them somewhere to hide, with a territory to defend. You just need adequate space for everyone in the group. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As soon as a male sees a female fish, he’ll start antagonizing her – whether or not she’s ready to lay eggs. If you get a little warmer, they won’t mind, but don’t forget the other fish in the tank. You can find processed fish foods designed with carnivores in mind. Family: Cichlidae 6. As the Jack Dempsey originally come from Central America, the water should be alkaline and little bit harder (dGH 1… However, they still need top water quality and a balanced diet to prevent some nasty health problems. 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. 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. The stress will result in your fish showing paler colors – your head’s up that there’s a problem. If you are planning to have 4-6 fish, do not forget to get a tank that can hold 100-120 gallons of water. Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) crops up whenever poor nutrition happens. And you’re still better off keeping one male in a group of females to maintain the peace. So check the fins, size, and then do a spot count. 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. should i remove them when free swimmers? How big do Jack Dempsey fish get? A heater is essential to maintain a water temperature between 72 and 86 degrees. When setting up your tank for Jack Dempseys, you want to make sure the conditions are as close as possible to their native habitat. Jack Dempsey are large, aggressive fish. So while tetras frequent the same regions in the wild, you should skip adding them to your community aquarium. Learning about Jack Dempsey Fish Care can help your fish. NO other fish can go in the breeding tank! Here is the Omega one Cichlid pellets I mentioned. Omega One Cichlid Pellets and Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula cater to a high-protein diet, and Jack Dempseys don’t mind chowing down on these large chunks. The female then lays up to 500 eggs on the surface. 10 years ago. In the wild, males top out around 15 inches (38 cm), and the females get approximately 10 inches (25 cm). You shouldn’t expect to see that in your tank, though. If you wait until your Jack Dempseys are mature and pair two together, you could end up with a brutalized female. When breeding, these colors will … You’ll see pits forming on your Jack Dempsey’s head. Decorating cichlid aquariums always presents a challenge. Each fish needs a cave to call their own, with plenty of space around it. The species has got Rocio name by the name of its describer’s wife; in Spanish “rocio” means “dew” and indicates the presence of sparklet-spots in the fish coloring.Specific name of the fish “octofasciata” comes from Latin words “octo” (eight) and “fascia” (a belt or a stripe) and it is translated as “eight-striped”.In fact the fish has definitely more than eight stripes on its body. Fish Lore's aquarium forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005! You want to keep that water temperature around 74-85°F (23-29°C). Jack Dempsey cichlids are an aggressive species of fish that needs plenty of territory. 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). As juveniles, they’re grey; adults take on gorgeous hues; spawners go almost black. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. If left untreated, lesions result, and develop pockets of mucus. (Females have fewer spots across their bodies than males). They are smaller in the wild than they are in the home aquarium They have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Water temperatures as high as 86°F (30°C) don’t phase them, and they prefer lower light levels. 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. Share your stories and questions with us here! There’s something so striking about those dancing patterns across the sides and gill covers. What are the characteristics that you like about JD's? 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 They will attack and harass tank mates that are smaller or try to eat them. Fans of South American cichlids know and love Jack Dempsey fish (Rocio octofasciata). Dither fish are schooling species that show nervous fish everything’s okay – maintaining normal activity levels. Of course, that range depends on the quality of their care. After all, in the wild, they tolerate high water temperatures and low oxygen levels. They also sport a brighter coloration, though that may get difficult to see during spawning season (more on that in a minute). 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. 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. Male Jack Dempseys have the highest aggression levels. Jack Dempsey fish have a sturdy reputation. If the ammonia or nitrate goes above 0 ppm, it’ll start to impact the immune system of your Jack Dempseys. Crowded fish never achieve their full potential. 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. The average size of a Jack Dempsey in adulthood can be 10-15 inches at most. So when you upgrade that tank, the JD can have the 55 to himself and grow to full size. 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. Get a Big Tank. Tank Mates : Try to keep them with fish of similar temperament (other Central American Cichlids). Only house your Jack Dempsey with fish that are similar in size and aggression. The pair catch the fry and usher them to the sandpits. Ensuring plenty of cave options to allow everyone to set up a territory is another option. However, if you want to stave off potential health problems, YOU need to stay picky about what you offer. And they aren’t picky about where that protein comes from. After three days, the eggs hatch. Kingdom: Animalia 2. The electric blue Jack Dempsey (around $30) is one of those varieties. If the tank is very large (100 or more) you can keep a couple of adults. It’ll also provide another dark place for them to retreat to. 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. When breeding, these colors will intensify. Smaller than the standard Jack Dempsey, this fish has iridescent blue scales. You CANNOT leave them in the community tank, or you’ll end up with utter devastation. The male grows larger as compared to females. And while they require some careful management, they integrate into select community aquariums without a problem. Breeding Jack Dempsey will require a lot of patience because the biggest obstacle towards success is actually having a mature breeding pair and the hardest part is finding a compatible partner. It’ll leach into the water and increase the pH and hardness. Species: R. octofasciata 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. 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. This fish is named after the former heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Dempsey. And while it’s popular to mix invertebrates into tanks these days, they don’t work well with Jack Dempseys! These brutes pack a powerful combination of attitude and stunning colors. A 50 gallon would still be too small. In the wild, Jack Dempseys stick to slow-moving streams and rivers. 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. Jacks can also attack each other. Originally, Jack Dempsey fish inhabited shallow, slow-moving waters in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. As adults, Jack Dempsey cichlids will be between 8 and 12 inches long. These carnivores can’t resist an easy-to-catch snack. Of course, you can’t go wrong with any of the Jack Dempseys. Jack Dempsey Habitat and Tank Conditions Your Jack Dempsey fish will grow between 10-15 inches, with females growing a little shorter. Keep a thermometer … This will ensure that you have different bloodlines. However, they’re hardy in nature and relatively easy to care for – beyond that mean streak. Fish run around $5 – $10, on average. Since Jack Dempseys like slow-moving waters, you won’t need any pumps. There's plenty of other Central & South American Cichlids to choose from. Waiting until your fish naturally pair off together prevents that damage. Jack Dempsey fish may have taken their name from a heavyweight boxer, but they’ve earned their place in aquarium popularity from their gorgeous color patterns. However, if you’re sticking to a lone male or choosing the proper tank mates, these gorgeous cichlids do just fine in mixed company. It’s an essential lesson on NEVER releasing unwanted fish into the wild. So if you feel up to the task and have the room, it’s worth it. I've always liked those. Both of them then set to work digging pits in the nearby sand. Phylum: Chordata 3. Settling into the tropical waters, the Jack Dempseys are now invasive species in those regions. Since you already have the tank it might be worth considering other slightly smaller. Tank measurements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Anubias, Java Fern, and Vallisneria provide great hiding cover for them and root deep into the substrate. they are in a 55 gallon fish tank alone with sand substrate is this okay? Adults should be purchased as singles. In the wild, males top out around 15 inches (38 cm), and the females get approximately 10 inches (25 cm). Closest I can think to the colouring of the JD might be the normal coloured Blue Acara. If you want a better compromise, though, consider floating plants. And make sure there are flat stones at the bottom of the tank – your Jack Dempseys need them for an egg-laying site! 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. This variety is slightly smaller and less aggressive. You can ease this flighty panic by introducing your Jack Dempseys into a community aquarium with established dither fish. If you are planning to have only one Jack Dempsey, you will need a tank that can hold 55-60 gallons. With such a variety of colors to choose from, even a little mean streak seems worth it. 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). This leads novice aquarists to believe the fish will stay relatively small and live happily in a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium. Just one or a school? 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. A filter will serve this purpose nicely. Minimum Tank Size 55 gallons Compatibility View Chart. To provide your Jack Demp… Ok. As such, consider using sand or fine gravel on your tank bottom. So, they need a tank that’s at least 80 gallons. 2 0. 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. Fun fact: Jack Dempseys change color throughout their lives. Setting the temperature to 84°F (29°C) triggers the spawning drive. 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. If you can find one, the Electric Blue Acara's seem to have displaced them somewhat. Cichlids are opportunistic feeders, and they have no problem snatching up your freshwater shrimp or snails. Make sure you stay on top of your water changes. It is a very colorful , hardy, and aggressive fish. This particular variety has a less aggressive reputation than its larger cousin. Youd be hard pressed to find a male dempsey in the hobby over 10" or a female beyond 8" to be honest. Jack Dempsey fish males reach a larger size than females. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. JDs need a bare minimum of 100 gallons. So while that hefty tank needs a matching filter, you don’t want to overdo the outflow. Tank Size. They can get up 15 inches. Feb 14, 2020 - Explore Deverick McKenzie's board "Jack Dempsey Fish" on Pinterest. Like any other cichlid, Jack Dempseys enjoy digging in the substrate and rearranging all of your hard work. They max out at 7-8 inches. Of course, males have that more aggressive streak. Most aquarists know Jack Dempsey fish have an aggressive reputation. However, make sure you incorporate some live, frozen, or freeze-dried protein options into the mix. 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. Your Jack Dempseys won’t bully anyone if they aren’t the biggest fish in the pond (so to speak). Their large size, combined with their aggressive territoriality, means they must have a large amount of space. It’s nothing personal; it’s just their way. Jack Dempsey fish are sexually dimorphic, with males growing larger than females. what my question is how do i breed them? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A Silent & Reliable Canister Filter: Which Brand to Trust? Aquarists recognize the sloping profile and aggressive nature of Jack Dempseys. How to Keep Jack Dempseys and Oscars in the Same Tank. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Youd be hard pressed to find a male dempsey in the hobby over 10" or a female beyond 8" to be honest. The breeding tank should stay as clean and conditioned as your community tank. Jack Dempsey fish fall squarely on the carnivore side of the menu. Usually, The Jack Dempsey fish can reach a length of up to 10-15 inches. TBEAR. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Sand will settle back out when your Jack Dempsey finishes digging. Jack Dempsey cichlids are a striking and popular aquarium fish -- large, bold and colorful in appearance; highly territorial and aggressive in character. Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae 7. 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