Jack Dempsey cichlid

Care at a glance

The Jack Dempsey cichlid from Central America is named after the heavyweight boxer, which says enough about its character. On a dark ground hundreds of blue-green spangles glitter, covering the whole body in adult males.

It digs energetically and defends a clear territory, especially around breeding, so choose a roomy tank with solid decor and sight breaks. Combine it only with equally robust fish, and expect substrate-rooted plants to take a beating.

Good to know

• Territorial
• Outgrows most home tanks
• Digger — needs fine sand
• Preys on shrimp and snails

Best not combined with

• AngelfishPterophyllum scalare
• Discus (common)Symphysodon aequifasciatus
• Heckel discusSymphysodon discus

Related species

• FrontosaCyphotilapia frontosa
• Green terrorAndinoacara rivulatus
• Blue dolphin cichlidCyrtocara moorii
• Norman’s lampeyePoropanchax normani
• Demasoni cichlidChindongo demasoni
• Medaka rice fishOryzias latipes