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Scientific Name:  Cichlasoma octofasciatum, Nandopsis octofasciatus

Type: Freshwater

Size: up to 10" (25cm)

Tank Size Needed (Minimum): Long, 50 gallon (190L)

Water pH: 7.0

Water Hardness: Medium hard to hard (9.0-20 dH)

Temperature: 72-85°F (22-29°C)

Origin: Central America, Yucatan

Social: Does best as the only Jack Dempsey or in a pair. Does not socialize well, may successfully live with fish of a similar size but none smaller.

Life span: 10-12 years

Diet: Omnivorous. Prefers live food (insects, feeder fish, crustaceans, worms) and variety. Supplement with cichlid pellets or flakes, fresh lettuce, etc.

Difficulty Rating: Intermediate to Advanced

Comments: The Jack Dempsey cichlid is named after a 1920s-era heavyweight boxer. True to the name, this is a large, very aggressive fish. Experts recommend this fish be kept in a species tank, alone or with others of its species. It does not play well with others, so if it must be kept in a community tank, the other fish must be of similar size or they will be terrorized and/or eaten.

So why do people keep this fish at all? Because it is a very interesting fish to look at, with beautiful iridescent scales. Also, it does exhibit more personality that you’ll usually find in a fish. In fact, Jack Dempsey fish can learn to recognize their caretakers and may jump out of the water for attention and treats.

It’s important to provide the right habitat for a Jack Dempsey. Bigger is better as far as aquarium size goes. This fish needs several inches of fine gravel to dig in. Because the Jack Dempsey likes to dig, don’t bother with live plants—the fish will kill them. Plastic or silk plants can work, though often the best décor is driftwood and stones. Do include a hiding place or two for this fish. A sideways flower pot or driftwood tunnel will work.