{"product_id":"cichlasoma-octofasciatus-jack-dempsey-cichlid-5cm","title":"Cichlasoma Octofasciatus Jack Dempsey Cichlid 5cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 20 cm (8 in); males larger than females\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 10–15 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Slow lower rivers, canals, lakes and ponds with sandy bottoms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Omnivorous, prefers invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Cichlid pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, chopped prawn, earthworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed once daily; vary meaty and dried foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Similar-sized robust Central American cichlids, plecs, silver dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Small fish that can be eaten; timid species; rival males\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Aggressive, especially once sexually mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Strongly territorial; pairs hostile to other Dempseys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Aggression, digging, and choosing compatible tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, moderately hard, neutral to alkaline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 22–28°C (72–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 5–20 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 250 litres for a pair; larger for a cichlid community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64680667316601,"sku":"STF-CICHLA-JACK-DEMP","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/STF-CICHLA-JACK-DEMP.png?v=1790096909","url":"https:\/\/birchwoodaquatics.myshopify.com\/products\/cichlasoma-octofasciatus-jack-dempsey-cichlid-5cm","provider":"Birchwood Aquatic Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}