As a lifelong home aquarist who’s been keeping fish for over 20 years, I’m used to seeing raised eyebrows when I talk about my passion for finned friends. But if these folks knew what I know about Jack Dempsey cichlid fish, I think they’d understand.
Imagine a fish that pulsates with electric blue, its emerald scales shimmering under the aquarium’s glow. You watch it glide with regal grace, a soothing yet eye-catching addition to your home aquarium.
This, my fellow aquarists, is the Jack Dempsey cichlid, a gaze-captivating fish that’s ignited a passion for the underwater world in many of my friends. But before you welcome this vibrant wonder into your own tank, it’s crucial to craft a kingdom worthy of its majesty.
Fear not! The Pets & Animals team and I used our personal experience to put together this expanded guide as your compass through Jack Dempsey cichlid care, navigating you through the essential steps of creating a haven fit for your dazzling Dempsey.
Quelling Your Quizzical Questions
Anytime I start thinking about bringing a new fish home, I get excited. I need answers to my questions before I can really dive into the research. So, let’s start with answering what’s likely on your mind.
How Big Does a Jack Dempsey Cichlid Get?
A full grown Jack Dempsey cichlid can reach up to 25 cm in the wild, but they don’t usually get that big in a home aquarium. As pets, a full grown male Jack Dempsey cichlid will reach around 20cm (8 inches), while females can reach 15cm (6 inches).
What Size Tank for Jack Dempsey Cichlid?
The ideal Jack Dempsey cichlid tank size is Jack Dempsey cichlid fish is 80 gallons. If you’d like to add a second Jack Dempsey, add another 55 gallons to the tank size.
I know this sounds absolutely massive, and it is. It’s true that the typical Jack Dempsey cichlid size is fairly small. The thing is, they need extremely large tanks because of their aggressive nature.
How Many Jack Dempseys Should Be Kept Together?
You should keep two Jack Dempsey cichlids together—three at the absolute max. Keep in mind, these fish can be so aggressive that they’re even named after heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey. You’ll want only one male Jack Dempsey per tank to avoid territory disputes.
I’m often asked if it’d work to keep a convict cichlid and Jack Dempsey in the same tank. Even though both fish are cichlids, I’ve found this to be tricky. In my experience, you need a very large tank with lots of structure—meaning levels of caves, platforms, and plants—to prevent aggression between the fish.
Do Jack Dempseys Like Water Flow?
Jack Dempseys like a medium to strong water flow in their tank. When you choose a filter—which I’ll discuss in-depth later on—make sure it also creates the right amount of water flow.
What Temperature Do Jack Dempseys Like?
Jack Dempsey cichlids like a temperature range of 78–86°F (26–30°C) thanks to their South American origins. Speaking from years of fishkeeping experience, your tank will need a heater to maintain these tropical temperatures.
Crafting the Castle: Filtration Fortress and Heating Haven
Your Dempsey’s castle starts with a spacious tank, 80 gallons minimum for a single fish. Now, let’s delve deeper into the crucial elements that keep your underwater kingdom thriving.
Filtration Fortress
As aggressive carnivores, Jack Dempsey cichlid fish can create a lot of tank waste. In my experience, a powerful filtration system is the easiest way to prevent any resulting water quality issues.
Canister filters reign supreme for larger tanks, offering superior biological and mechanical filtration. Hang-on-back filters work for smaller setups, provided they’re rated for double your tank’s volume.
Poor filtration can seriously harm your fish, so prioritize quality filtration even if it means sacrificing a few decorative elements.
Heating Haven
As tropical natives, Jack Dempseys thrive in warm waters. Invest in a reliable heater that can maintain a consistent temperature between 78–86°F (26–30°C).
I highly recommend a heater with an adjustable thermostat and automatic shut-off features for added peace of mind. Oversized heaters are also a wise investment. They won’t constantly cycle on and off, saving energy and extending their lifespan.
Filtration Fine-Tuning
- Mechanical Filtration: Ensure your filter media includes sponges and filter floss to trap debris and uneaten food particles. Clean these regularly to prevent clogging and maintain optimal water flow.
- Biological Filtration: This is where the magic happens! Biomedia, often housed in ceramic rings or plastic tubes within your filter, provides a haven for beneficial bacteria that break down harmful ammonia and nitrite into less toxic nitrate. Avoid over-cleaning your filter media, as you might disrupt these essential bacteria colonies.
- Chemical Filtration: While not always necessary, activated carbon can be used to remove dissolved organic compounds and clarify cloudy water. However, replace it regularly, as it can also absorb beneficial nutrients.
Furnishing the Feasting Grounds: Decorations with a Purpose
Now, let’s dress up your Dempsey’s domain with decorations that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally important.
Rocky Realm
Scott Schiller on flickr
Jack Dempseys are territorial, and from what I’ve seen, they often claim their own little kingdoms within the tank. Provide yours with ample caves and crevices formed by large rocks and driftwood arrangements.
These sanctuaries offer refuge from stress and potential tankmates because they match the natural habitat of many cichlids—especially during breeding periods.
Opt for smooth, rounded rocks to prevent injuries, and ensure structures are stable enough to withstand any digging your Dempsey does.
Driftwood Delights
Driftwood adds a natural touch to your aquarium and provides additional hiding spots and biofilm growth, which your Dempsey may enjoy snacking on.
Choose pre-treated driftwood to prevent leaching tannins that can discolor your water. You can also boil or soak it beforehand to ensure its safety—I find boiling to be particularly effective.
Planted Paradise (With Caution)
Live plants can soften your tank’s appearance and offer additional filtration benefits. However, I’ve seen Jack Dempsey cichlid fish dig at plants on more than one occasion—keep this in mind.
I suggest choosing sturdy, fast-growing plants like Vallisneria, Java Ferns or Anubias which are known for being tougher.
Opt for potted plants or attach them to rocks or driftwood to minimize uprooting. Remember, the goal is to create a balanced ecosystem, not a botanical garden, so prioritize your Dempsey’s needs first.
Substrate Savvy
As mentioned before, most Jack Dempsey cichlid fish I’ve encountered dig often. So, you have to choose a substrate that won’t damage their fins.
Sand or fine gravel are wise choices, as they’re easy to clean and let your Dempsey safely pursue its natural digging instincts. Avoid sharp-edged substrates like crushed coral or seashells, as they can injure your fish.
Maintaining the Majesty: A Symphony of Water Care
With the castle built, regular water changes are paramount for keeping your Dempsey’s domain pristine.
Aim for 20–30% weekly water changes, siphoning the gravel to remove waste. Test your water parameters regularly, adjusting pH and hardness as needed. Maintaining a clean home aquarium is a vital part of fishkeeping.
After all, dirty tank water can negatively impact both your tank’s appearance and the health of your fish.
Expert Advice
While this guide equips you with the fundamentals, remember that every fish is an individual. Observe the behavior of your Jack Dempsey cichlid, adjust the environment accordingly, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
I say this because caring for a Jack Dempsey cichlid isn’t easy. I’m a third-generation aquarist, and even I understand how one of these gorgeous fish can become overwhelmingly high-maintenance.
That’s the biggest counterargument to bringing home a Dempsey. It can be a bit challenging to even find a big enough tank that still fits somewhere in your home. The initial setup overall can be incredibly expensive once you factor in all the equipment and décor.
But all the information you need is right here anytime you need it.
If you’re concerned about tankmate compatibility, breeding or any other aspect of Dempsey care, Pets & Animals Tips is a treasure trove of knowledge. As part of our team of aquatic aficionados, I can say we’re always here to assist you in creating the perfect environment for your dazzling Dempsey.
With careful planning, meticulous care and a dash of Pets & Animals Tips’ guidance, you can transform your aquarium into a thriving underwater kingdom, fit for the regal reign of your Jack Dempsey cichlid. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure and witness the electrifying majesty of the Dempsey in your very own tank?
