Cichlid
Care basics
Jack Dempseys are dark fish covered in iridescent blue and green spots that brighten with age. They are hardy and forgiving of water conditions, which makes them a good first large cichlid.
They dig and rearrange decor, so use sturdy rocks set on the tank floor and avoid delicate plants. Keep them with cichlids that can hold their own.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rocio octofasciata |
|---|---|
| Group | Central American |
| Native to | Atlantic slope of southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras |
| Adult size | About 8 to 10 inches |
| Tank size | 55 gallons for one, 75 gallons or more for a pair or community |
| Temperature | 72 to 82 F |
| pH | 6.5 to 8.0 |
| Diet | Omnivore leaning toward meaty foods. Cichlid pellets plus frozen foods like krill, mysis and bloodworms |
| Temperament | Aggressive and territorial, more so when breeding. Named after the boxer for its tough attitude. |
Good tank mates
Convicts, firemouths in larger tanks, severums, large plecos. Always match size, temperament and water needs, and add new fish to a cycled tank after quarantine.
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish vary. Questions about your tank? Ask us.
