Pink Jack Dempsey

Overview

• Scientific Name: Rocio octofasciata
• Common Name: Pink Jack Dempsey
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Native to Central America (rivers and lakes in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala).

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Pink Jack Dempseys can grow up to 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The Pink Jack Dempsey displays a light pink to peach body with occasional iridescent or pearlescent speckles. While it lacks the darker, more intense colors of the regular Jack Dempsey, its soft, pastel tones stand out in the aquarium.
• Body Shape: They have a strong, muscular body typical of cichlids, with long, spiny dorsal and anal fins that often have a subtle shimmer.

Behavior

• Temperament: Like their darker counterparts, Pink Jack Dempseys are known for their aggressive and territorial behavior, particularly towards other fish of a similar size or smaller. They will defend their territory fiercely and can bully or even injure other tank mates.
• Sociability: It's important to keep them either in a species-only tank or with similarly aggressive, large fish. They do not fare well with small, peaceful species.
• Activity Level: Active and constantly exploring their environment, they may rearrange substrate or decorations in their tank, especially during breeding periods.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a single Pink Jack Dempsey. If you plan to house multiple fish or a breeding pair, consider 75 gallons or larger.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 8 to 15 dGH
• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel is ideal as they enjoy sifting through the substrate.
• Tank Setup: Provide plenty of hiding spaces such as caves, rocks, or driftwood. Since they are territorial, these features help define spaces within the tank and reduce aggression.
• Filtration: Strong filtration is needed to handle the bioload of this species. High water quality is crucial to prevent stress and disease.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Too bright of a light may cause stress, so subdued lighting works well to bring out their delicate coloration.

Diet

• Feeding: Pink Jack Dempseys are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should be the main component of their diet.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or krill.
  • Include some vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables (e.g., spinach, peas).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, offering food that can be consumed within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Pink Jack Dempseys are biparental breeders, meaning both parents will care for the eggs and fry.
  • Spawning usually occurs in a cave or on a flat rock, where the female lays several hundred eggs.
  • The male will guard the territory fiercely, and both parents will defend the fry for weeks after they hatch.
• Fry Care: The eggs hatch within 3 to 5 days, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. Feed the fry with finely crushed food or baby brine shrimp.
• Tank Considerations: Separate the breeding pair from other tank mates during spawning, as their aggression will intensify, and they may attack other fish.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates for the Pink Jack Dempsey include other robust, large fish that can handle its aggression, such as:
  • Oscars
  • Green Terrors
  • Convict Cichlids
  • Large Plecos or catfish that are hardy and less likely to be bullied.
  • Avoid smaller, more peaceful species, as they are likely to be harassed or eaten.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Pink Jack Dempseys can live up to 10 to 15 years in captivity, provided their tank is well-maintained and their diet is varied and nutritious.

Health Considerations

• Common Issues: Like most cichlids, Pink Jack Dempseys are susceptible to common freshwater fish diseases, such as ich, fin rot, and hole-in-the-head disease. Regular water changes, a balanced diet, and good water quality will minimize health risks.
• Water Quality Sensitivity: Poor water conditions can quickly lead to stress and illness, so regular tank maintenance is essential.

Interesting Facts

1. Color Variation: The Pink Jack Dempsey is a color morph of the more common Blue or Electric Blue Jack Dempsey and was selectively bred for its lighter, pinkish coloration.
2. Boxer Namesake: They were named after the famous heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey due to their aggressive, "fighter" personality.
3. Strong Bonding Pairs: Breeding pairs form strong bonds and will work together to protect their territory and offspring.
4. Territorial Digging: Like many cichlids, they love to rearrange their environment by digging in the substrate, especially when preparing to breed.