The Jack Dempsey is an aggressive, pugnacious cichlid which originates from Central America. The fish was named after a former heavyweight boxing champion based solely on its demeanor. The Jack Dempsey is an extremely hardy fish that can provide enjoyment for any level of hobbyist, so long as the caretaker is willing to provide the fish with the basic essentials.

The color of the Jack Dempsey changes greatly depending upon age, mood, and stress levels. A healthy young fish should be a brownish-tan with a black spot on each side of its body, and one on each side of the base of the tail. Dark stripes line the dorsal side of the fish, while blue to greenish-yellow spots are scattered around their scales. Adults should range from brown to black base color, the spots and stripes becoming less visible if not gone, and the brightly colored spots coat the body. Stressed, weak, or sick fish will be lighter in color, and the spots less visible.

Tank Setup

The Dempsey is definitely not for the community tank. While they may be kept with other fish of similar size, the Dempsey is best kept in a species tank. Their aggressiveness should never be underestimated, and increases largely during spawning.

The Dempsey tank should have a thick layer of gravel, 4-5", with rocks of various sizes and caves for hiding places. Due to the digging nature of this fish, any plants which you might have in the tank should be well rooted, and do not be surprised if they are torn up every once in a while. Pre-soaked clay flower pots make for wonderful hiding places, as well as a good place for them to lay their eggs.

Feeding

This fish is not usually very picky about what it eats, although it may take some time for them to adjust to a different food they are changing from a consistent diet. It is best to vary their diet, alternating between pellets, guppies, shrimp, lettuce, earthworms, snails, and most other crustaceans. This will provide them with the nutrients they need to become healthy, colorful adults.

Water Chemistry

Because these fish are from the area of Central America, they should have mildly hard water, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Although water conditions are not as strict as with fish such as discus, they will be happier and healthier with the right water chemistry.

Breeding

Jack Dempseys spawn in the usual Cichlid fashion, the female laying her eggs on carefully cleaned rocks. The adults are model parents and both guard and care for the young.

Sexing the Jack Dempsey becomes increasingly difficult the younger the fish is. The most obvious ways to tell are with the male having longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins, a longer body, and less blue-green coloration on the gill plate. The body of the female is more squat than that of the male, and the dorsal and anal fins are shorter as well.