I want a Jack Dempsey...

BucJason

I drink like a fish
Dec 30, 2006
408
0
0
49
Tampa , FL.
I saw a beautiful Jack Dempsey display tank at my LFS , and now I am obsessed with them. I wish I could start my tank over a do a species tank of them.

If i were to add one to my current tank, would it be compatible with any fish I currently have, or would I basically have to get rid of all of them and start over from scratch???? I've looked it up on the internet but I've seen conflicting info on JD compatibility, so I was hoping someone with actual expierence could give some insight.

Also, am I completely out of my mind for wanting to change most ,or all ,of my entire fish stock? lol :thud:
 
I really don't think it would work out. I have a female JD that has killed 3 other cichlids that were twice her size.....I only fish I have kept with them over the years has been GT, other JDs, convicts, and oscars.
 
I really don't think it would work out. I have a female JD that has killed 3 other cichlids that were twice her size.....I only fish I have kept with them over the years has been GT, other JDs, convicts, and oscars.

not even plecos and things like that???
 
i had a JD in a 55g with a male convict and a common pleco.
they lived in harmony although the convict was the king of the tank. ( any minor disputes were won by the convict to my surprise)
convict-3 to 3-1/2", JD 5-1/2 to 6", Pleco 4".
i also love JD's but unfortunately i moved X-country and luckily had a friend (shark enthusiast) to adpot my fish.
i currently own 2 Lutino Oscars in a 90g , but eventually plan on buying a 75g so i can once again have a JD or 2.
 
JD'S are best left in a tank with other cichlids. They can be very aggressive towards other fish and have been known to kill other fish over just minor disputes. A pleco will not be welcome in a tank with a JD. Even though they have a coat of armor the other cichlids including the JD will go for the eyes and the guts of the pleco (which are not protected) when he is sleeping and then it is bye bye to Mr. Pleco.

Marinemom
 
What about my Black Ghost?? They get big and can certainly handle themselves if anything picks on them with that huge mouth and teeth .


It's looking like my only choice would be to sell all my fish...too much trouble, plus I'm fond of the little guys. I guess I'll just wait for them all to die, lol. (of natural causes , not a JD)
 
how big is the jack . Fish are like people they all have differant tempers and attitudes all you can do is try
 
My 55 has 2 JD, a common Plec, some Giant Danios and 2 Pictus Cats.

Ralph the Plec has been with Jack (the biggest JD) since they were in a 29 together, Bob added about 3 months ago, then the Danios and the Pictus last week.

All get together. Jack will sometimes try and steal Ralph's algae wafer, sometimes Bob will swim away from Jack (wants to be alone for awhile I think-most of the time they are hovering side by side). Both JD ignore the Danios and after a look-see at the Pictus's (picti?) they leave them alone.

Maybe I got lucky; when I tried to introduce the parrots to Jack's tank, he killed them...

:eek:

Size of fishies-Jack is 7-8 inches, Bob is 4-5, Ralph is pushing 9 (if that matters)
 
I have 4 Jack Dempsey's in a species tank, and while they have lived together now for about 6 years, even they have a "pecking order" in that tank. Jack Dempsey's are quite agressive, and in my experience treat every other fish in a tank with them as a potential meal. Sounds to me like you have a good excuse to start looking for a 2nd tank! :bday:
 
AquariaCentral.com