Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – cichlid pellets, live/frozen worms, feeder fish, shrimp
Aquarium species profile
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata · Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras)
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size10–12"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature72–86°F
pH range6.5–8.0
Compatible tank mates
Other large, robust cichlids; Oscars, Green Terrors, Convicts (with caution)
Tank mates to avoid
Small fish, peaceful community fish, invertebrates
Care notes
Named for boxer Jack Dempsey. Territorial, especially when breeding. Hardy and adaptable. Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a color variant.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.