
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rocio octofasciata
A Central American cichlid scattered with blue-green spangles over a dark brown body, growing more intensely marked as it matures. It is strongly territorial and fights even its own kind once sexually mature, so tank mates must be chosen with care.
Rocio octofasciata is a cichlid of the Atlantic slope, from the Papaloapán River in southern Mexico to the Ulua in Honduras. Blue-green spangles are scattered over a dark brown body and become denser with maturity. The name comes from the American boxer. FishBase records a maximum of 25cm TL, while Seriously Fish gives 20cm SL. Seriously Fish recommends a 120 x 45cm tank (about 243 litres) at 20-30C, pH 6.5-8.0 and 5-20 dGH. Young fish can be grown on together, but they turn aggressive towards one another as they become sexually mature, so all but a bonded pair should be separated. Any tank mates must be robust and too large to be treated as prey. Wild fish are thought to be omnivorous with a preference for aquatic invertebrates; in captivity sinking dried and frozen foods are taken readily. It is a biparental substrate spawner, with both parents guarding eggs and fry.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Jack Dempsey lives 8-12 years.
The Jack Dempsey grows to 20-25cm.
The ideal temperature for the Jack Dempsey is 20〜30℃.
Origin
Central America: Atlantic slope from southern Mexico (Papaloapán) to Honduras (Ulua)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Rocio octofasciata Regan, 1903
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
20-25cm
Temperature
20〜30℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, bloodworm, prawn
120 x 45cm (about 243 litres) or larger. Use wood and rock to break up sightlines and define territorial boundaries.
20-30C, pH 6.5-8.0, 5-20 dGH. It tolerates a wide range but dislikes sudden swings.
Mature fish fight fiercely among themselves. Keep only a bonded pair together, and restrict tank mates to robust species too large to be eaten.
Base the diet on sinking dried foods, supplemented with frozen Daphnia, bloodworm and prawn.
A biparental substrate spawner that uses flat stones, with both parents guarding eggs and fry.
It digs in the substrate, so anchor decor so it cannot topple. Overcrowding intensifies fighting.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Jack Dempsey is 20〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Jack Dempsey is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Jack Dempsey typically reaches 20-25cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Jack Dempsey feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, bloodworm, prawn. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Jack Dempsey varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026