Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Tank Mates? Is It Even Possible?


It was long believed that electric blue Jack Dempseys were man-made species. They are a cross between the original Jack Dempseys and another New World cichlid.

Today, however, it is generally agreed that these fish with brilliant looks are natural variations of the OG Jack Dempsey.

They are named after Jack Dempsey, an American boxer. They are aggressive, fierce, and all other adjectives that describe hostile beings.

There’s an additional twist: the electric blue Jack Dempsey variants have a more subdued personality to them than the regular ones. They are also smaller than the standard Jack Dempsey, reaching just over 8 inches (20cm) in length.

Although it is a good idea to keep aggressive fish in a tank with other feisty fish as a rule of thumb, you need to be more cautious when selecting electric blue jack dempsey tank friends.

They shouldn’t be paired with aggressive or docile fish. You should look for semi-aggressive fish.

Let’s get to the point without any further delay.

Top 7 Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Tankmates

  • Severums
  • Convict Cichlids
  • Giant Danios
  • Firemouth Cichlids
  • Acara Cichlids
  • Angelfish
  • Rainbow Fish

Severum Cichlids

Maximum size: 7-8 inches

Lifespan : 8-10 Years

Severum cichlids can be semi-aggressive fish. They should only be paired with fish that are similar in size and temperament. Electric blue jack dempseys have many traits in common with other severums, including their size and behavior.

Severums don’t seem to be too aggressive or submissive, so they make great tankmates for electric blue jack dempseys.

These fish can be territorial and mark the tank with their markings. You need to make sure there is enough space for everyone. During breeding season, their aggression levels increase significantly. During this time, they are very competitive with males.

Severum cichlids will eat any fish smaller than them. You don’t want them to be paired with smaller fish.

Water Parameters For Severum Cichlids

Water Temperature75-84degF
pH6.0-7.5
General Hardness4-15 dGH

Convict Cichlids

Maximum Size: 4-5 inches

Lifespan : 8-10 Years

For being aggressive, convict cichlids are a poor name. They are, however, one of the most misunderstood fish within the aquarium trade.

There are many reasons these fish make excellent pets. Their entertaining and exciting personalities are the main reason they make great pets. Although they are almost comical, they can be competitive and territorial.

If you are looking to pair the convict cichlid with an electric bluejack dempsey, it is important to understand what triggers them. This fish requires lots of space, hiding places, and decors to claim.

My experience shows that convicts’ aggression can be controlled if there is enough space in the tank and hiding places to retreat into.

They can be territorial and aggressive, just like any other fish, during mating season. They will also explore the different areas in the tank and keep their distance at other times.

Water Parameters For Convict Cichlids

Water Temperature79°F to 84°F
pH6.5-8
General Hardness10-15 dGH

Giant Danios

Size: 6-8 inches

Lifespan : 5-7 Years

Giant danios can be semi-aggressive but are much more playful than aggressive. You can easily confuse their playfulness and aggression. They are generally friendly and active. They will chase other fish around the tank, which is why they are so active.

The same behavior can cause harassment to smaller fish, and irritation to larger fish. This shouldn’t be an issue if they are kept in the same tank.

Giant danios are great additions to any cichlid aquarium, provided they are not aggressive. These fish should be kept in a small school of at least six.

Fish kept in small numbers can cause aggression towards each other and fish.

Water Parameter For Giant Danios

Water Temperature72-81degF (22-27degC)
pH6.0-8.0
General Hardness5-19 dGH

Firemouth Cichlids

Size: 5-6 Inches

Lifespan : 8-10 Years

Firemouth cichlids can be quite friendly as long as they are satisfied with their needs. These demands include plenty of swimming space, multiple hideouts, regular water changes and a healthy diet.

Firemouths can’t handle stress well, however. They need to create their own territories.

They do not teach fish. They live their lives independently and protect their territory.

Firemouths are among the most exemplary parents in the fish world. During the breeding season, Firemouths can become very possessive and hostile towards intruders. To warn other fish from entering their territory, the males will extend their gills.

They are curious about their surroundings and spend a lot time looking at the tank, sometimes digging.

Water Parameters For Firemouth Cichlids

Water Temperature75degF to 85degF
pH6.5-8.0
General Hardness8-15 dGH

Acara Cichlids

Size: 5-6 Inches

Lifespan : 8-10 Years

Acaras are much more peaceful than other cichlids. They can be aggressive and bully small fish, but they are also semi-aggressive. The electric blue jack dempseys, on the other hand, are almost identical to these fish or slightly larger.

Acaras can be paired with many tank mates and they will not cause any problems in the tank. They are easy to care for and have an easygoing temperament that makes them a great fish for community tanks.

Acaras are naturally curious fish. They love to explore the tank and dig. Sometimes you’ll see them digging through the substrate looking for food.

Acaras can also uproot plants and topple decorations. Make sure to anchor everything securely to the substrate.

Swimming is a mix of hiding and swimming.

Water Parameters For Acara Cichlids

Water Temperature72°F to 82°F
pH7-7.5
General Hardness6-20 dGH

Angelfish

Size: 3 to 6 inches

Lifespan : 8-10 Years

Angelfish are semi-aggressive fish that have a complex social hierarchy. They are generally friendly to other fish, but they can sometimes be aggressive towards one another, especially when trying to form a mate or pair.

They are also very opportunistic, and will eat whatever is in their reach. The electric blue jack dempseys can be larger than angelfish, which is a good thing.

Angelfish are territorial by nature. Aggression is how the fish communicate their hierarchy within the tank. You should also conduct regular water changes. This will reset the social tanking and cause them to fight and nip to reestablish their position.

They can also be territorial and aggressive towards the mating season. However, this is true for almost all other species.

Angelfish can also get upset if they aren’t getting enough food. You need to be careful about how much you feed your angelfish. You’ll need to change water more often if this happens.

Water Parameters for Angelfish

Water Temperature78deg F and 84deg
pH6.8-7.8
General Hardness2-8 dGH

Rainbow Fish

SIze: 4-6 inches

Lifespan : 5-8 Years

Do not follow the name. Rainbowfish can be quite aggressive. Although they may look beautiful, there is more to rainbowfish than meets the eye.

Rainbowfish can cohabit with electric blue jack dempseys, as long as they are able to maintain their ground in the event of a fight.

You are asking for trouble if you have more rainbow fish males in your tank. The power game will continue until there is at least one fallen soldier.

To moderate their aggression, ensure there is plenty of space and hiding places for everyone.

During mating season, males can be more competitive and fierce than their female counterparts. Keep one male rainbowfish in each tank.

Water Parameters for Rainbow Fish

Water Temperature74degand 78degF
pH7.0-8.0
General Hardness10-20 dGH

Parting Words: Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Tank Mates

That’s it. Remember that electric blue jack dempsey aren’t as aggressive or big as standard jackdempsey cichlids when choosing your tankmates.

Semi-aggressive species are best for tankmates. They won’t be afraid of Jack Dempseys, but they won’t terrorize them.

Enjoy reading!


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