Size
6 cm (2.4 in)
Physical Characteristics
The Electric blue jack dempsey, in contrast to the wild version, has magnificent powder blue coloring with black markings that can differ in size and density from individual to individual. Compared to their popular wild cousins, electric blue jack dempseys develop more slowly, maintain a smaller size, and are typically less aggressive.
Temperament
Compared to “wild color” individuals of the species, the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is often more submissive and grows to a smaller size. An aquarium with a sandy substrate and lots of hiding places, such as driftwood, clay pots, and rock formations, is ideal for the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Cichlid.
Habitat
Cichlid fish called the Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) are endemic to freshwater settings from southern Mexico to Honduras, however they have also been imported to other areas.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
If you want to keep just one Jack Dempsey, you will need a large tank that is at least 50 gallons in size. A correspondingly larger aquarium is required if you intend to keep several tank mates or two Jack Dempseys.
For these fish, a long tank is preferable to a tall one because it will provide them more room to swim. While they prefer the center of the tank, Jack Dempseys swim throughout the entire water column.
- Water Parameters
The Jack Dempsey is a big fish that generates a lot of excrement. To keep the tank clean, you will therefore require a very effective filtering system and adequate water circulation. The Jack Dempsey can survive in a variety of aquatic environments, however warmer water may make the fish more aggressive. Because of this, a lot of hobbyists that keep these fish keep the water’s maximum temperature below 78° Fahrenheit. With a hardness range of 8.0 to 12 dGH, the Jack Dempsey prefers a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.
- Feeding
Although they are omnivores, Jack Dempseys are quite accommodating when it comes to diet. These fish can be fed a regular diet of live, fresh, and frozen foods, tropical fish flakes, cichlid pellets, and other items. Although you can give these huge cichlids a limited bit of mammal meat, including beef heart and poultry, it’s not a good idea to overdo it because the high levels of protein and fat in these meals can hurt your fish if you overfeed them. Thus, only sometimes include these meaty delicacies in your diet.
- Tank mates
Having a blue Dempsey and fish of the same size is not a problem. Despite their peaceful demeanor, blue Cichlasoma are nevertheless carnivores. A blue Dempsey will be pleased to set up a hunting game for itself if smaller fish end up being tankmates in the aquarium. The following fish can peacefully cohabit in a tank with the electric blue Jack Dempsey cichlid:
- Keyhole Cichlid
- Oscar Fish
- Firemouth Cichlid
- Gourami Fish
- Jewel Cichlid
- Angelfish
- Green Terror Cichlid
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