Electric Blue Jack Dempsey - 4cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Rocio octofasciata
• Common Name: Electric Blue Jack Dempsey
• Adult Size: 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years or more with proper care
• Habitat: Native to slow-moving rivers and freshwater lakes in Central America, especially in Mexico and Honduras; prefers warm waters with plenty of hiding spots such as rocks and submerged roots

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters), ideally larger due to adult size and territorial behavior
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: Moderate (8–15 dGH)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial especially during breeding; best kept with other robust fish able to hold their own

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes — diet includes high-quality pellets or flakes designed for cichlids, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms; occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or peas is beneficial

Appearance

• Striking electric blue iridescent scales covering the body
• Stocky, muscular build typical of Jack Dempseys
• Pattern of dark vertical bars faintly visible under the blue coloration
• Large eyes and prominent lips give a distinctive cichlid look

Distinctive Features

• The electric blue coloration is a selectively bred morph of the wild-type Jack Dempsey, prized for its vivid, shimmering blue hues
• Requires spacious aquariums with plenty of hiding places to reduce aggression
• Can be territorial but is less aggressive than some other cichlids when housed appropriately
• Popular for its vibrant color and relatively manageable temperament among large cichlids