Common Name Jack Dempsey Cichlid

Scientific Name Cichasoma octofasciatum

Family Cichlidae

Community Aggressive

Class Cichlids

Temperature 78ºF Swimming Range Middle-Bottom

Adult Length 7-8 inches

Feeding Habits Fresh spinach, zucchini, peas and lettuce. Live fish, blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen plankton, beef heart, brine shrimp, glass worms and blood worms. Freeze dried and tablet foods also accepted.

Compatibility Very aggressive with their own kind and other species as well, especially during spawning. They will stake out territories in the aquarium. Mix with other similar sized aggressive cichlids.

Habitat Guatemala: Moderately decorated with rocks, plastic plants and driftwood. Live plants will be eaten by the dempseys.

Breeding The anal and dorsal fin of the male is longer. During spawning 500-800 eggs can be produced, and both parents will care for the fry.

Additional Comments Average life span is 8-10 years.