Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Jack Dempsey's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
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Freshwater Fish
Cichlids
Common
Rocio octofasciata
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What to know before you buy.
Named after the famous boxer for its aggressive nature and powerful appearance, the Jack Dempsey is a classic cichlid. It has a dark body covered in brilliant metallic blue and green spangles. They require a large tank with plenty of hiding spots among rocks and driftwood to establish territories.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Jack Dempsey healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Jack Dempsey's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 24–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Jack Dempsey is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Jack Dempsey is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Jack Dempsey vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
SA price range this month: R115–250 · Average: R174
This data is unique to FishHub
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Species that typically work alongside Jack Dempsey in a similar setup.
Parrot Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus