ExploreFish

Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata

The Jack Dempsey fish is named after a famous boxer because of its tough look! They are bold and can be very protective of their space.

Appearance

The Jack Dempsey is a stocky, oval-bodied fish with a striking dark gray to brownish base color, covered in iridescent blue-green speckles. It features several distinct black blotches along its flanks, making it visually distinct. Its fins are often edged with a reddish hue.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderCichliformesFamilyCichlidaeGenusRocio

Jack Dempsey

Interesting facts

Jack Dempseys are champion parents, digging nests and guarding their babies fiercely.

Named after a tough boxer, these fish are known for their feisty attitudes!

Sometimes, these fish make grunting sounds to communicate with each other underwater!

They sparkle! Their bodies are covered in iridescent spots that shimmer blue and green.

Special abilities

Jack Dempsey can change its skin color rapidly to blend into its environment or show how it's feeling.

Jack Dempsey uses its strong mouth to dig pits in the substrate for building nests and hiding spots.

Jack Dempsey fiercely guards its eggs and young fish, chasing away anything that comes too close.

Measurements & details

Length: 15-25 cm
Weight: 0.1-0.3 kg
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Swim Speed: 7 km/h
Max Depth: 10 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

A fierce hunter, the Jack Dempsey eats small fish, aquatic insects, and worms.

Age differences: Younger fish primarily consume invertebrates, while adults broaden their diet to include more small fish.

Primary Foods

small fish
aquatic insects
worms
crustaceans
snails

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Larger birds prey on fish in shallow waters.

hunts

Shortfin molly

Poecilia mexicana

Feeds on small fish in its habitat.

hunts

Bloodworm

Chironomus plumosus

Eats insect larvae from the substrate.

eaten by

Longnose gar

Lepisosteus osseus

Larger predatory fish will hunt young Jack Dempseys.

Traits

Wildlife

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Piscivorous

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