Variety of Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Gold Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Origin: Central America: southern Mexico (Yucatan), Guatemala, Honduras, Belize
Also known as: JD, Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (color form), Rocio octofasciata
Fact sheet
- Size
- 20 cm
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Minimum tank size
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Selectively bred line with reduced dark base pigmentation expressing golden-yellow tones alongside reduced blue iridescence. Less common than the EBJD form.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Reaches 20–25 cm, robust deep body. Dark gray-brown base with dense clusters of iridescent teal-blue to green-blue spots and scales covering body and fins. Mature males show more intensified coloration and slightly pointed fins.
Care
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Tank minimum 400 L for a pair. Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0. Strong filtration. Robust rock and driftwood only — they excavate substrate extensively. Species tank strongly recommended.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Opportunistic carnivore: large cichlid pellets, frozen/live foods — earthworms, prawns, fish. Will eat almost anything meaty.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Highly aggressive. Best as mated pair in species tank. If mixed, only with cichlids of similar size and aggression: Texas Cichlid, large Flowerhorn, Oscar (with caution).
Breeding
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Pair cleans a large flat rock or excavates a pit; female deposits 500–800 eggs. Both parents guard fiercely. Fry free-swimming at 5–8 days; parents continue to protect for several weeks.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Jack Dempsey Cichlid
The 'Electric Blue Jack Dempsey' is a natural recessive color mutation (not a hybrid) where reduced dark pigmentation reveals brilliant electric-blue iridescence. Because the mutation is recessive, breeding for it is challenging. Named after Jack Dempsey, world heavyweight champion 1919–1926.