How big does a Jack Dempsey fish grow?

How big of an aquarium should a Jack Dempsey be?

Aquarium Size : 55 gallon minimum for one Jack Dempsey, much larger for multiples. Tank Mates : Try to keep them with fish of similar temperament (other Central American Cichlids). Watch for aggressiveness and remove or use an aquarium divider if necessary.

Do Jack Dempsey fish have a pointed dorsal?

When observing fish “teens,” you can define their gender by the male’s pointed dorsal and the rounded one the female has. However, later both the fish, male and female, have a pointed dorsal. In spacious tanks, Jack Dempsey fish doesn’t show such aggression, as they may do in small capacity tanks.

How big does a blue Jack Dempsey get?

Both of these cichlids can grow to a size of anywhere between 10 and 15 inches in total length. Their bodies are more oval-shaped with pointy fins. Since becoming aquarium-kept fish in recent years, different color variations have been captive-bred. The most famous and sought after is the brilliant Electric Blue Jack Dempsey.

What kind of body shape does a Jack Dempsey have?

About the body outline; Jack Dempsey fish has an oval body that is laterally compressed. They have a pretty long dorsal fin and an anal fin which are both pointed and have red markings on the edges while the caudal fin is shaped like a fan.

Do Jack Dempsey fish eat other fish?

Your fish must be able to eat whatever you give them in under 2 minutes. Just like most Cichlids, the Jack Dempsey is very territorial. They will go after any other fish that swims into their territory. Fighting Cichlids lock lips as if they are kissing.

Can a Jack Dempsey cichlid eat a tetra fish?

Generally speaking, Tetra fish would be too small to house with a Jack Dempsey Cichlid and would normally get attacked and eaten. However, the cave tetra is a fairly rare tetra species, one of the only ones that can grow close to 5 inches in length.

Are Jack Dempsey catfish good tank mates?

This is an armored catfish and their size is what makes them a good tank mate for the Jack Dempsey. Sometimes they will nip and chase other fish but will keep their peace at most times.

Can a blue Jack Dempsey cichlid live in an aquarium?

If smaller fish become tankmates in the aquarium, then a blue Dempsey will be happy to arrange a hunting game for itself. Electric Blue Jack Dempsey cichlid can peacefully coexist with the following tank mates: A pair of blue Cichlasomas feels best if the aquarium belongs only to them.

What is the life expectancy of an electric blue Jack Dempsey fish?

Electric Blue Jack Dempsey fish live in pairs that form at an early age. A distinctive feature of the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is loyalty to one partner throughout life. With proper care, the life expectancy of Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is 10 years.

What is a blue Dempsey fish?

It will reach a maximum length of a little more than 8″ (20 cm), or slightly smaller than its genetic progenitor,the Jack Dempsey.These fish are also called the Blue Dempsey, Electric Blue Dempsey, and Jack Dempsey Neon Blue. This dazzling fish is a naturally occurring variant of the Jack Dempsey.

What is the habitat of a Jack Dempsey fish?

Their habitat is also highly vegetative and has a muddy or sandy substrate with plenty of rocks. All these contribute to an area that has less access to light. Having an oval disk-shaped body, the Jack Dempsey fish sports pointed dorsal and anal fins.

How long does it take a Jack Dempsey to eat?

Your fish must be able to eat whatever you give them in under 2 minutes. Just like most Cichlids, the Jack Dempsey is very territorial. They will go after any other fish that swims into their territory. Fighting Cichlids lock lips as if they are kissing.

Are Jack Dempsey fish native to Australia?

It is also established as an introduced species in Australia, the United States and Thailand (presumably as an aquarium escapee) These are locally known as the Mexican Blue Frontosa. The Jack Dempsey natively lives in a tropical climate and prefers water with a pH of 6-7, a water hardness of 9–20 dGH, and a temperature range of 22–30 °C (72–86 °F).

Is there a blue Jack Dempsey fish?

There is also a blue variant of this fish which commonly known as the blue Jack Dempsey or electric blue Jack Dempsey. This is natural genetic mutation. The blue counterpart is less aggressive, smaller in size and more delicate.

Are blue Jack Dempsey fish aggressive?

Temperament: Semi-aggressive. The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey has demonstrated a tolerant attitude towards tankmates. That being said, as this fish ages it can tend to become more territorial and aggressive, especially when it is time for them to spawn.

Where do electric blue Jack Dempsey fish live?

In the wild, This beauty is found in the waters of Honduras and Mexico. Aquarists face quite a number of difficulties in breeding this fish which explains why such an attractive and gorgeous variety of cichlids is rarely found in pet stores and why it is expensive. Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a fish with an amazing story.

What kind of water do electric blue Jack Dempsey fish need?

Electric Blue Jack Dempsey fish is completely comfortable with light warm water, as it corresponds to the natural habitat. Since the fish is from Central America, the aquarium water must meet the following requirements:

What is the lifespan of an electric blue Jack Dempsey?

With proper care, the life expectancy of Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is 10 years. Another characteristic feature of Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is the complex process of reproduction. When Spawning, only 20–25% of 100% of fry are blue cichlids which are considered successful.

Is the electric blue Jack Dempsey a real fish?

This dazzling fish is a naturally occurring variant of the Jack Dempsey. According to popular rumor, fry which displayed the bright blue coloring of the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey were considered to be malformed and runtish and were discarded by their keepers as inferior specimens.

How hard is it to breed a blue Dempsey?

Though the Blue Dempsey is relatively easy to breed, it does take a considerable amount of time, luck, and a well designed aquarium set up, so these fish are rather rare and quite a bit more expensive than many other tropical fish, include the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey’s progentitor species, the Jack Dempsey.

What are Jack Dempsey cichlids?

Jack Dempsey cichlids are a type of freshwater fish found primarily in the warm, murky, slow-moving rivers from Mexico to Honduras. Their ample size, vibrant coloring, and active nature make them unique among cichlids and a favorite choice for intermediate to advanced aquarium hobbyists.

What do Jack Dempsey fish need in an aquarium?

A heater, filter, and light are also necessary for an aquarium with Jack Dempsey fish. This species of Central American cichlid likes warmer water with minimal current in which case, an air or water pump isn’t necessary.

Where do Jack Dempsey fish live in Mexico?

Natural habitat The original wild Jack Dempsey fish, currently classified as Rocio octofasciata, is a native to Mexico (Papaloapán River), the Yucatan, Honduras (Ulua River) and Guatemala. The fish can be found thriving in a variety of environments other tropical fish could not survive.