Are Electric Blue Jack Dempseys Hard to Raise?

The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, in the cichlid family of fish, varies slightly from other Jack Dempseys in coloration and temperament. They are relatively easy to raise in comparison to many other tropical fish if the tank is properly maintained. You may follow guidelines to ensure success in raising this unique and brightly-colored species.

  1. Aquarium

    • Mature Electric Blue Jack Dempseys grow to be 6 to 10 inches long and require an aquarium of 40 gallons or larger. Changing 20 to 25 percent of the water in the tank on a weekly basis and setting up a quality canister filtration system will help improve the chances of healthy Jack Dempseys. They thrive in water between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and like the cracks and crevices of rocks and other aquarium features.

    Tank Mates

    • In general, Jack Dempseys do not tolerate other fish. Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are slightly more docile and will allow some non-aggressive species. They can be raised in pairs of opposite sexes if they are raised together from the time they are young and if they are roughly the same size.

    Food

    • Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are not picky eaters. They thrive on pellet food, shrimp brine and blood worms. They like live treats of crickets and earthworms, as their diet in the wild consists of crustaceans, insects and small worms that inhabit their waters.

    Disease

    • Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are susceptible to the same diseases as other freshwater aquarium fish, especially Hole-In-The-Head disease that infects many species in the cichlid family. Odds of this disease are decreased by changing the water weekly and using a quality filtration system.