A good quality cichlid food can make your cichlid’s life a lot easier. Jack Dempseys are one of the most aggressive cichlids, and if the tank is crowded with too many fish, they’ll start attacking the others. The fish will start out eating small fish, and invertebrates will soon become snacks. If you want to avoid unwanted injuries, it’s best to keep only larger tankmates.
Rocio octofasciata
The Jack Dempsey pond fish is one of the most popular species of cichlid. Initially named after a heavyweight boxer who won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1919, this fish has an aggressive temperament and needs a careful aquarium management. It has been renamed several times, but it has remained a common fish in the aquarium hobby. Aquarists appreciate the sloping profile and aggressive nature of this fish. Despite its aggressiveness, Jack Dempseys are easy to maintain.
The Rocio octofusciata is a middle-sized Cichlasoma, commonly found in spring-fed lakes and rivers. It can grow up to 17 cm in length, or nearly 8 inches. The Rocio octofasciata’s name may have some connection to the splotchy spots on its face, and it has a pronounced bite.
While a variety of Rocio octofusciata is available for sale, the electric blue variant of R. octofasciata is an ornamental fish. Although this species has no native ancestry in the United States, it is widely available and is reported to be less aggressive than its white counterparts.
The Rocio octofusciata prefers slightly acidic, soft waters, and sandy substrates. Its preferred pH range is 6.0 to 7.0, with water hardness of nine to twenty degrees. A high water hardness can negatively impact the immune system, making your fish paler and less vibrant. It enjoys digging in the substrate and rearranging the aquarium’s decor.
As an abrasive fish, the Jack Dempsey cichdid is prone to injuries and infections. A large fish tank with several crevices is ideal for these animals. They prefer to settle at lower or middle levels of the aquarium. While they are a beautiful, active species, their high-energy temperaments mean that they require a large tank.
The electric blue variant is a popular variety of the cichlid. This stout-colored species is much more expensive than the normal variant. It is thought to be the result of a natural mutation in its genetic code. It is a relatively new addition to the hobby. It is difficult to breed this fish, so it is important to choose a male with at least one other female.
The coloration of the male and female is darkened by the time they are ready for breeding. Males may harass a female that is not ready. Females are protective of their young. The parents break food into pieces smaller than the fry so they can eat it. While the male is busy in this way, the female tends to avoid disturbance and will eat the eggs if they are disturbed.
The cichlid can be aggressive toward other fish if the tank is overcrowded, but they do get along well with other species in the aquarium. Initially, they will prey on small fish that can be easily eaten. In time, invertebrates will become snacks to this fish. As a result, the only fish to keep in a community aquarium are male Jack Dempseys and their tank mates. However, these fish are best kept alone or in a tank with suitable tankmates.
Although Jack Dempseys are omnivores in the wild, they do not tolerate plant-based foods. You can provide them with high-quality flake food and live foods, including crustaceans, worms, and even insects. Fresh water is an important factor in Jack Dempsey cichlid care.
Although Jack Dempseys grow quickly, they will only reach about two inches in length at six months. Jack Dempsey fish are not suitable for beginners, however. Because of their aggressive nature, they should be kept in their own tanks. The best aquariums for them are those with high concentrations of other species.
The color of a Jack Dempsey cichloid varies widely. The male is usually darker than the female, while the female has a light gray background with tiny blue spots. A male Jack Dempsey is easily identified by its long fins and a darker body. Juveniles are usually not that bright, but are smaller than the common Jack Dempsey cichlid.
