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Is it possible to keep Jack Dempseys and Angelfish together? I have 1 large Dempsey and 4 younger Angelfish that are large enough for the Dempsey to not be able to eat whole. Right now the Angels are in a 20 Gallon tank but I want to move them over to the 46 Gallon tank with the Dempsey. Is that a good idea or not?

Definitely not. Jacks are too grump and angels are too slow for the pairing to work.

Do not put the Angelfish in with the Jack Dempsey. Jack Dempseys are rather aggressive and rough fish, while Angels are a community fish, and very delicate. The Angelfish will be bullied, and most likely be killed by the Dempsey.

-- Gomer

I kept a big (3.5" w/o fins) Angel with a Jack and an Oscar. Neither one bothered it. It may have just been the right combination of individual fish but I think it had to do with the shape. I suspect the Jack didn't feel like the Angel was trying to steal his territory. The Jack would get cranky with the Oscar and later a Gold Severum when they got too close to his rock pile but didn't even seem to notice the Angel. The Oscar Jack and Severum all have a similar shape but not the Angel. I've noticed this with Firemouths and angels also.

I'd pick a weekend when you have nothing planned and give it a try. Read a book and keep your eye on the tank, it might work out.

Good luck, Mike

Basic fish knowledge would first lead me to say no, I wouldn't do it. But Mike R's reply is interesting, and as often is the case much depends on individual fish personalities. If you have the time to really watch the tank, and also a back-up plan if things don't work out, it might be worth a try.

Keep us posted if you end up giving it a shot


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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

[font color="#000080"]Do you know that Jack Dempsey is named after a boxer?
Puting angels with dempseys is like puting a ballet dancer with a boxer...sort of
So you decide.........

Last edited by JQW at 13-Nov-2004 05:28

Sorry for the late response but I've had the 2 Angels in with the Dempseys since my last post and they are doing great. They've actually grown a lot larger and look very healthy. The Dempseys don't even bother them at all. Currently my Dempseys are breeding and have fry in the tank. They still don't mess with the Angels eventhough they get very aggressive when mating.

Good deal. I think it's the shape.

Mike