Cichlasoma Octofasciatus Jack Dempsey Cichlid 5cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Jack Dempsey, Rocio octofasciata, is a stocky Central American cichlid named after the boxer for its pugnacious nature. Adults are dark purple-brown, spangled with iridescent blue and green flecks, with males showing longer fins. Native to Mexico and Honduras, it is a hardy, long-lived fish for intermediate keepers with a large tank.
- Adult Size: Around 20 cm (8 in); males larger than females
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
Origin
- Native to: Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and 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, earthworms
- Feeding Habits: Feed once daily; vary meaty and dried foods
Tank Mates
- Best with: Similar-sized robust Central American cichlids, plecs, silver dollars
- Avoid: Small fish that can be eaten; timid species; rival males
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Aggressive, especially once sexually mature
- Territoriality: Strongly territorial; pairs hostile to other Dempseys
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Challenges: Aggression, digging, and choosing compatible tank mates
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; larger for a cichlid community
Final Notes
Juveniles cohabit happily but turn territorial as they mature, so plan the tank for adults from the outset. Males grow larger with pointed, extended dorsal and anal fins; females are smaller and rounder. Bonded pairs are biparental substrate spawners that dig pits and guard fry aggressively. Use a sand floor, sturdy caves and secured rockwork, as it excavates and moves decor. Undemanding on water quality and a rewarding, intelligent fish.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.