Fin's Fish Guide
The Jack dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Jack Dempsey is a colourful cichlid from Central America, named after the boxer for its combative character. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, dark body studded with numerous bright blue-green spots and several dark crossbars. It inhabits swampy areas with warm, murky water and weedy canals and ditches with mud or sand bottoms in lowland rivers. As an omnivore it feeds on worms, insects, crustaceans and small fishes. The species is strongly territorial, especially during brood care, and is popular in the aquarium. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Jack dempsey?
The Jack dempsey has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Numerous glossy blue-green blotches; strongly territorial, especially during parental care.
Where does the Jack dempsey live?
The Jack dempsey lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; lowland rivers with slow-flowing, turbid water.
How big does the Jack dempsey get?
The Jack dempsey grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Jack dempsey dangerous to humans?
No, the Jack dempsey is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Jack dempsey edible?
The Jack dempsey is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Jack dempsey is one of 12,519 species in the app.