Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata, the Jack Dempsey, is a robust Central American cichlid from the slow, warm waters of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, including canals, lakes and weedy backwaters. Adults are stocky and powerful, the dark body spangled with iridescent blue-green flecks that intensify with age and mood. Named after the boxer, it is pugnacious and territorial, especially when breeding, and needs a large aquarium with rocks, roots and clear territories; tankmates must be similarly sized and sturdy. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and moderately hard water but demands strong filtration to cope with its heavy waste output. A predatory carnivore, it takes quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, mussel, prawn and other meaty frozen foods. A substrate-spawning open breeder, both parents guard the fry vigorously. Hardy but messy, it suits intermediate keepers with space.