Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
Pro
Pro
Description
Named after the boxer for its bold temperament and powerful appearance, the Jack Dempsey is a classic Central American cichlid with dazzling iridescent blues, greens, and purples. It’s territorial but charismatic, ideal for cichlid-focused tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires space and careful tankmate selection due to its aggression and territorial behavior.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred. Wild populations are stable, but care should be taken to avoid releasing hybrids or domestic lines into natural ecosystems.
Origin
Native to slow-moving warm waters in Central America—primarily in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico. Often found in murky rivers, lakes, and swampy areas with heavy plant cover.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature specimens exhibit deep coloration with shimmering metallic blue-green spots across a dark body. Displays can shift from vibrant to almost black depending on mood. They are intelligent, bold, and often interact with their owners.
Purpose
Serves as a dominant, visually striking fish in large community or species tanks. Adds personality, movement, and color, and often becomes the focal point of the aquarium.
Importance
Highly popular among aquarists due to its combination of toughness, beauty, and interactive behavior. Offers insight into territorial dynamics and parental care among cichlids.
Included Resources
Requires fine gravel or sand, caves, driftwood, and open space. Strong filtration is a must due to bioload. Benefits from hiding areas to reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for cichlid-only setups, Central American biotopes, or large tanks (55+ gallons) with carefully selected tankmates.
Conservation Context
Not endangered. Widely bred in captivity and available in several color morphs like the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Wild-type strains are important to preserve for biodiversity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Firemouth or Convict Cichlids (with caution)
• Large peaceful catfish (e.g., Synodontis)
• Plecos
• Silver Dollars
• Rainbowfish (only in very large tanks)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.5018° N
• Longitude: -88.0251° W
(Guatemala-Honduras border, Río Ulúa basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.5046° N
• Longitude: -90.5441° W
(Southern Mexico — Usumacinta River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires space and careful tankmate selection due to its aggression and territorial behavior.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred. Wild populations are stable, but care should be taken to avoid releasing hybrids or domestic lines into natural ecosystems.
Origin
Native to slow-moving warm waters in Central America—primarily in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico. Often found in murky rivers, lakes, and swampy areas with heavy plant cover.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature specimens exhibit deep coloration with shimmering metallic blue-green spots across a dark body. Displays can shift from vibrant to almost black depending on mood. They are intelligent, bold, and often interact with their owners.
Purpose
Serves as a dominant, visually striking fish in large community or species tanks. Adds personality, movement, and color, and often becomes the focal point of the aquarium.
Importance
Highly popular among aquarists due to its combination of toughness, beauty, and interactive behavior. Offers insight into territorial dynamics and parental care among cichlids.
Included Resources
Requires fine gravel or sand, caves, driftwood, and open space. Strong filtration is a must due to bioload. Benefits from hiding areas to reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for cichlid-only setups, Central American biotopes, or large tanks (55+ gallons) with carefully selected tankmates.
Conservation Context
Not endangered. Widely bred in captivity and available in several color morphs like the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Wild-type strains are important to preserve for biodiversity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Firemouth or Convict Cichlids (with caution)
• Large peaceful catfish (e.g., Synodontis)
• Plecos
• Silver Dollars
• Rainbowfish (only in very large tanks)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.5018° N
• Longitude: -88.0251° W
(Guatemala-Honduras border, Río Ulúa basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.5046° N
• Longitude: -90.5441° W
(Southern Mexico — Usumacinta River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but requires space and careful tankmate selection due to its aggression and territorial behavior.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Commonly captive-bred. Wild populations are stable, but care should be taken to avoid releasing hybrids or domestic lines into natural ecosystems.
Origin
Native to slow-moving warm waters in Central America—primarily in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico. Often found in murky rivers, lakes, and swampy areas with heavy plant cover.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature specimens exhibit deep coloration with shimmering metallic blue-green spots across a dark body. Displays can shift from vibrant to almost black depending on mood. They are intelligent, bold, and often interact with their owners.
Purpose
Serves as a dominant, visually striking fish in large community or species tanks. Adds personality, movement, and color, and often becomes the focal point of the aquarium.
Importance
Highly popular among aquarists due to its combination of toughness, beauty, and interactive behavior. Offers insight into territorial dynamics and parental care among cichlids.
Included Resources
Requires fine gravel or sand, caves, driftwood, and open space. Strong filtration is a must due to bioload. Benefits from hiding areas to reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for cichlid-only setups, Central American biotopes, or large tanks (55+ gallons) with carefully selected tankmates.
Conservation Context
Not endangered. Widely bred in captivity and available in several color morphs like the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Wild-type strains are important to preserve for biodiversity.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Firemouth or Convict Cichlids (with caution)
• Large peaceful catfish (e.g., Synodontis)
• Plecos
• Silver Dollars
• Rainbowfish (only in very large tanks)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 15.5018° N
• Longitude: -88.0251° W
(Guatemala-Honduras border, Río Ulúa basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.5046° N
• Longitude: -90.5441° W
(Southern Mexico — Usumacinta River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
Region
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