Species profile
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Aggressive
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
15–25 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Robust Central American cichlid that becomes strongly territorial. A large footprint, caves, wood and secure decor are more important than decorative planting.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7–8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Not a general community fish. Adults can be highly aggressive, especially as pairs or when spawning. Tankmates must be large and robust enough to avoid predation and bullying.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Rocio octofasciata
Alternative names
Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Native range
Atlantic-slope drainages of Mexico and Central America, including Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
Natural habitat
Associated with warm, often slow or swampy waters over mud or sand with submerged cover. Provide caves and visual barriers with moderate rather than turbulent flow.
Diet & feeding
Wild foods include worms, crustaceans, insects and small fish. Use complete cichlid pellets plus varied frozen or fresh aquatic invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are usually larger and more intensely coloured with longer fins; mature females often retain stronger blue facial/cheek spotting.
Breeding
Biparental substrate/cave-associated spawner. Pairs defend eggs and fry intensely; breeding can make an otherwise manageable aquarium unsafe for tankmates.