Cichlasoma Octofasciatus Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Cichlid 3cm

Overview

The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is a captive-bred colour form of Rocio octofasciata in which the whole body is covered in shimmering powder blue scales, the blue intensifying with age. It stays a little smaller and is reportedly milder than the wild-type fish. Its ancestors come from Central America, and it suits intermediate keepers with a roomy tank.

• Adult Size: Around 15–18 cm (6–7 in); smaller than the wild form
• Lifespan: 10–15 years

Origin

• Native to: Captive-bred strain; species from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras
• Habitat: Slow lower rivers, canals, lakes and ponds with sandy bottoms

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, prefers invertebrates
• Preferred Foods: Cichlid pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, chopped prawn, blackworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed once daily in small amounts; avoid overfeeding

Tank Mates

• Best with: Similar-sized robust cichlids, large tetras, plecs, silver dollars
• Avoid: Small fish that fit in its mouth; very aggressive tank busters

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Moderately aggressive, milder than the wild form
• Territoriality: Territorial when mature and breeding

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Less hardy than wild type, sensitive to poor water; slow early growth

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, moderately hard, neutral to alkaline
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: 5–20 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 250 litres for a pair

Final Notes

Electric Blues are a fixed but somewhat delicate strain: juveniles are slower growing and less robust than standard Jack Dempseys, so keep water quality high and avoid boisterous tank mates while they are small. Colour develops gradually and can take a year to reach full intensity. Pairs are biparental substrate spawners, though the blue gene breeds unpredictably. Sand, caves and secured rock suit them well. A dazzling centrepiece once mature.