Breeding Jack Dempsey (Cichlasoma Octofasciata (Rocio Octofasciatum)) In The Aquarium

Location

This freshwater species lives in slow-flowing, coastal rivers and streams, canals and drainage ditches with sandy or muddy substrate floodplains and wetlands in Central and North America. Classification of the fish is not clear, so it is known by the Latin name Rocio Octofasciata.

Body description

Colour of the body is gray-maroon with lustrous blue-green dots. Young fish have irregular, black stripe along lateral line and other black, transverse lines on the sides. Male is larger, darker and more colourful than female. He has elongated dorsal and anal fins with sharpened tips. Female has rounded tips of the dorsal and anal fins.

Temperament and behaviour

This species is very aggressive, especially during the spawning season. Peaceful fish are exceptions. This species fights for dominance and territory. It often hurts and chases other fish which must hide all the time. The fish feels threatened when you clean the aquarium during the spawning season. It can eat small species and it likes to dig in the substrate.

Aquarium decoration

You should keep these fish in single species aquarium or very large general tank. You need an effective filtration system with slow water flow. A partial water exchange should be done regularly. The tank should include soft substrate, lot of hiding-places among stones, roots, rocks, caves and pots, dimmed light, space to swim.

Breeding

This is an oviparous species. The fish stays in pairs within a group. Female lays hundreds of eggs on previously carefully cleaned hard surface. It is usually stone, cave or pot. Male immediately fertilizes the eggs. Female is fanning the eggs with her tail all the time and she removes spoiled eggs. The eggs hatch after 2 days. Then parents move the larvae to previously dug holes in the substrate. The fry starts to swim and feed 4-5 days later. The parents take care and protect the roe and the offspring. Female takes care for the nest, male protects the territory.