 | Freshwater > Fish > Cichlidae |
 | | | |  | Cichlasoma Octofasciatum (Jack Dempsey) |  |  |
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 | Quick Ref. |  | |  Species: Cichlasoma Octofasciatum
| Geo. Location: Guatemala, S. Mexico
| PH: 6.5 - 7.0
| Temperature: 72 - 77F
| Water Hardness: 9 - 20dh
| Size: 8.0"
| Diet: Live foods, vegetables
| Difficulty: 2
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| | | | | | Notes: Cichlasoma Octofasciatum has been first described by Regan in 1903. In the wild, these fish are found in the slow moving waters of Central America (South Mexico to Costa Rica) among rocks. Jack Dempsey can grow up to 8 inches in the wild but are rarely bigger than 5 inches in captivity.
Jack Dempseys have small white to irridescent blue spots on the dark blue background of their sides. Eight dark bars cross their body. These bars tend to fade out when reaching adulthood. To the contrary of other Cichlids, this fish does not tend to loose its colors under stress.
Cichlasoma Octofasciatum have a great apetite. They will eat pretty much anything but love live foods and need vegetable supplements. Kept in proper conditions, these fish can live up to 15 years in captivity.
As for lots of Cichlidae, Jack Dempsey is well known for its very active behavior. Indeed, this fish can be very aggressive and territorial against its own as well as against other species. A male Cichlasoma Octofasciatum will only get along with a female during the breeding process. No other male should be introduced and the female should be provided with plenty of hidding places as the male will attack her before and after spawning.
The tank should be provided with a lot of rocks laid out to create hidding places, especially when kept in groups. Roots can also be used to design the decor, however, it is not recommended to spend to much time on creating a setting as this fish will create its own by digging, moving and attacking every piece of decor. It's been reported than males can move rocks weigthing several pounds. The tank must therefore be very roomy (at least 55 gallons for a pair). No plants should be added as Jack Dempsey would dig and/or eat them. Floating plants can sometimes be added. Filtration must be strong as this fish is very messy. However, water return from filter should not be too strong as they dislike too much water movement. Frequent water changes are necessary. It is recommended to keep this species in a species' tank, away from any other species. Some hobbyists have reported keeping Cichlasoma Octofasciatum with other bigger species as large Pleco or other fish capable of protecting themself against their attack.
| Breeding: Breeding Jack Dempseys is not a difficult task as long as the proper conditions are gathered. Sexual diphormism can be observed by the presence of a bright red border on the male's dorsal and anal fins. These fins are also longer and more developped in males than in their counterparts. Adult females are smaller than males. Some hobbyist have reported that females are sometimes less colorful but this criteria is not always obvious.
Cichlasoma Octofasciatum start breeding when they reach approximately 4". When ready to spawn, this species become more colorful and look for a good spot spawning spot. When the spot is selected, the pair will clean it thoroughly before spawning. It is usually a flat rock, a flower pot or sometimes a piece of root. The breeding territory is guarded by both parents and the female realeases 500 to 800 eggs.
The breeding tank should be large and filled with ordinary tap water. Some floating plants could be added and temperature should be raised up to 79F. Ph should oscillate between 6.5 and 7.0. Although Jack Dempseys are very aggressive, they are very good and caring parents.
An interresting article about breeding Cichlasoma Octofasciatum is available here.
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| | | Readers comments & pictures: Cichlasoma Octofasciatum | | |
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| DeMarcus Johnson - 2005-08-02 19:36:15 | | | | | I have 3 Dempseys in a 30 gal. I had them for 9 months now. Two of them are females, one is 3inches and the other is 4 inches. And the male is 5inches. The 4 inch female and my 5 inch male had a brood of babies that hatched 6/10/05. They make good parents. Once the babies get 1/2" and form stripes the parents will spawm again.
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| frances - 2006-06-07 21:38:11 | | | | |
I have four two females two males they fight with each other I had to seperate what can i do?
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