Common Name
Jack Dempsey Cichlid

Other Common Names
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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.