Jack Dempsey size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 20 cm. The largest on record measured 25 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 189 Cichlidae species on LumaReef: 3 cm (Viejita Dwarf Cichlid) to 80 cm (Giant Tanganyika Cichlid).

Jack Dempsey tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.

Jack Dempsey water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6.8–8.0, hardness 6–20 °dGH. Close to what most Cichlidae on LumaReef need (23–28 °C).

Jack Dempsey tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 28 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Freshwater angelfish, Swordtail, and Dwarf gourami.

Jack Dempsey and plants: is it plant safe?

No, it may eat or uproot plants.

FreshwaterComing soon240 coinsUncommon

Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata

Named after a boxer and worthy of it, slowly patrolling the ground below.

The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. It swims in midwater, close to the bottom. Adults grow to about 20 cm; the largest on record measured 25 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 120 cm long and water at 23–28 °C.

Size: 20 cm
Smallest tank: 120 cm
Temperature: 23–28 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–28 °C

pH6.8–8.0

Hardness6–20 °dGH

Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Moderate
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Lives on its own
Plants: Eats plants

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litres10 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres21 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres40 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres48 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along28 species

and 4 more species

Caution1 species

Narrow shared temperature range

Paradise fish

Not together70 species

Aggressive with peaceful

Water temperatures do not overlap

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Midwater, close to the bottom
Largest on record: 25 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Very common

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCichliformes
FamilyCichlidae
GenusRocio
SpeciesRocio octofasciata
Described byRegan, 1903

In other languages

German: Achtbindenbuntbarsch
Spanish: Cíclido de ocho bandas
Russian: Цихлазома восьмиполосая
Chinese: 十帶麗體魚

Quick answers

Jack Dempsey size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 20 cm. The largest on record measured 25 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 189 Cichlidae species on LumaReef: 3 cm (Viejita Dwarf Cichlid) to 80 cm (Giant Tanganyika Cichlid).
Jack Dempsey tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.
Jack Dempsey water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6.8–8.0, hardness 6–20 °dGH. Close to what most Cichlidae on LumaReef need (23–28 °C).
Jack Dempsey tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 28 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Freshwater angelfish, Swordtail, and Dwarf gourami.
Jack Dempsey: alone or in a group?: It can be kept on its own.
Jack Dempsey and plants: is it plant safe?: No, it may eat or uproot plants.