The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey cichlid Rocio octofasciata cf. (previously Cichlasoma octofasciatum) is considered to be one of the most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish. The adult displays a magnificent blue coloration, and is definitely one of the ‘bluest’ freshwater fish in the hobby. It has a dark brown background that is covered with brilliant metallic and iridescent blue flecks. 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. 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. Fortunately for those hobbyists who appreciate the stunning coloration of these fish, and for the hobby in general, this archaic and incorrect view has been largely discarded and these fish are now being actively bred and developed in captivity. 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.
Just like its parentage, the body of the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is stocky and compact. However this variety is a little smaller reaching closer to the 8 inches (20 cm) in length, rather than the almost 10 inches (25 cm) of a full size Jack Dempsey fish. They generally have a life span of 10 – 15 years.
The Blue Dempsey is an easy fish to care for and a great Cichlid starter fish for beginners. They are not overly demanding when it comes to water conditions and will take a variety of commercially prepared foods.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Since they are omnivores, the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake or pelleted foods. They get quite large so they should be fed a high quality pelleted food and large chunk foods such as meat or fish.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet / Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
Aquarium Care
The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is fairly easy to care for provided its water is kept clean. Aquariums are closed systems and regardless of size all need some maintenance. With home aquariums the nitrate and phosphates build up over time and the water hardness increases due to evaporation. Because these fish are very sensitive to pollutants and pH instabilty, it is important that at least 15- 20% of the tank water should be replaced bi-weekly, especially if the tank is densely stocked. When performing the water changes always use a gravel cleaner to make sure all of the decomposing organic matter that has built up is removed. The majority of of problems that occur with tropical fish tanks usually come down to one cause, decomposing organic matter.
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
Aquarium Setup
A minimum 40 gallon aquarium is suggested, though a larger tank would be suggested if keeping them in a semi-aggressive community tank with other like sized fish. They need good water movement along with strong and efficient filtration.
Although Dempsey’s can tolerate a fairly wide range of conditions, it has been suggested that warmer temperatures lead to more aggression in this fish. Many aquarists will keep the maximum aquarium temperature below 78° F (26° C) to help reduce antagonism.
- Minimum Tank Size: 40 gal (151 L)
- Substrate Type: Sand
- Lighting Needs: Moderate – normal lighting
- Temperature: 72.0 to 86.0° F (22.2 to 30.0° C)
- Breeding Temperature: 86.0° F
- Range ph: 6.5-7.0
- Hardness Range: 8 – 12 dGH
- Brackish: Sometimes
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Compatible with:
- Same species – conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Threat
- Semi-Aggressive (): Monitor
- Aggressive (): Monitor
- Large Semi-Aggressive (): Monitor
- Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Monitor
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat – is aggressive
- Plants: Threat
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