Rocio octofasciatum
| Common Names: | Jack Dempsey |
| Synonyms: | Cichlasoma octofasciatus Heros octofasciatus |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Category: | Cichlids |
| Distribution: | America - Central; Yucatan Peninsula, Central America. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Delta; Delta |
| Temperament: | Aggressive; Territorial, aggressive and intolerant. Can be housed with fish of similar size and temperament. If keeping single fish, temperament is less than in pairs. |
| Diet: | Carnivore; Carnivore |
| Care: | Feed with both live fish and vegetable ba |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 25cm (9.8") Female: 20.5cm (8.1") |
| Water Region: | Middle, Bottom; Middle-Bottom |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | The male can be identified by its extended anal and dorsal fins. The male's dorsal fin is more brightly coloured. |
| Breeding: | Use neutral water with a higher temperature of up to 28°C. Keep a few large, smooth rocks on the bottom for the female to spawn on. After hatching the babies will be move by the parents to pits dug behind the rocks. Do not remove the parents as they will guard their fry. |
| Variants: | Known color morphs of this fish include the Gold Dempsey, which is almost identical in size and aggression to the regular dempsey, and the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. The Blue Dempsey is said to be more delicate, less aggressive and smaller than the regular Jack Dempsey. |
| Comments: | A very pretty, but very aggressive fish. The fish was given the common name of 'Jack Dempsey' in honour of the world heavyweight boxing champion of the 1920s (known as 'The Manassa Mauler') in recognition of the fish's VERY strongly developed territorial instincts, and willingness to engage in ferocious combat over it's perceived territorial 'rights'. |
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| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Not Specified |
| Tail: | Not Specified |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | ;bpcichlid |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | Jason_R_S, Calilasseia, Motag7 |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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