Top 10 Tank Mates for Jack Dempsey Cichlids

[@CichlidBros]

Here's the video we referenced in the video, where we set up a custom aquarium for NBA Head Coach Billy Donovan. He has an awesome Jack Dempsey now. Check it out below! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opWrgYChn95psLc

[@LongIslandFishGuy]

Jack Dempsey and an Oscar together is so classic. Both are “easy to get fish” that mesh well together!

[@CichlidBros]

Agreed! It's an awesome combination

[@jakebrown2235]

From my experience they’re super unpredictable. I’ve had some who could probably be in a community tank, and I’ve had others who had to be housed privately. Absolutely love these guys, so much personality

[@thecichliddojo4245]

Informative video. And congrats on the shout out during the Bulls game.

[@tommy2tone8650]

Love the Dempsey tried to keep one in my 125 it was just to aggressive for my tank. They are beautiful fish. Love your channel.

[@masterdingus7074]

Depends on the dempsey. I have a Jack that is chill with my oscars. I've also had one that wanted to fight everyone. Big cichlids are like people, they have their personalities

[@jdssurf]

what was the rest of your stock

[@samiam159007]

That's so cool to get the shout out at the game. Congratulations to the channel! Keep up the great work!

[@dmoore0079]

I never thought of keeping a Rainbow Cichlid with a Jack Dempsey, but I could see it working. Mine were always super calm and peaceful, but they would stand their ground when challenged.

[@bdaquatics7584]

Your south American tanks are the reason why I switched from African to south American. I got a jack Dempsey and an Oscar too. With severum and electric blue acaras and some silver dollars for a little razzle dazzle 😂

[@HaYNFishKeeper]

Love the top 10 boys!!🤙🏽🤜🏽💥🤛🏽🤙🏽

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks man!

[@harrisonhanson2998]

JD’s are probably a favorite of mine also, they really have such a similar temperament to the severum. I have an older JD that’s about 6 inches & he’s kind of the retired guy in the tank, he stays at the bottom in 1 or 2 different areas & whenever anything else gets too close he stays put & just opens his mouth wide, I think that’s as aggressive as he’s ever been, he basically shows the other fish if you wanna come at me, this is what ur coming at!

[@girdielbohmer2148]

I have a cichlid tank, and my Jack Dempsey was an issue. Really territorial, it took part of the tank as it´s exclusive turf. My Oscars kinda accepted this "demand" swimming in other tank areas. I added a Texas and a Severum in the tank, They simply ignored Jack´s turf demands, they did not fight, if expelled then simply came back as long as jack turns it back, or worse, take turns swimming in Jack´s territory while it was expelling the other one. After about a month my Jack Dempsey gave up territorial claims, now swims all tank and only fights for tank hierarchy.

[@bobbobson4607]

My breeding male JD killed my pleco that was larger than him. Bit a chunk right out of it's armored side. I was both disappointed and impressed.

[@amymandeville8342]

I really miss having these fish. So beautiful and full of personality.

[@richardslomkowski1689]

A shout-out during an NBA game that's tough!

[@CichlidBros]

Yeah it was an awesome moment!

[@jayeshkhutwal4818]

The information is amazing bro

[@canaldocartomante6050]

congratulations from Brazil. excellent list.

[@pelhamsaquatics]

My fantastic 4 made the list 1. Convict 2. Firemouth 3. Jack Dempsey 4. Oscar no particular order, these are all classics🙂👍🏻💯

[@nathanaelbailey9753]

My jack Dempsey like 5-6 in and they are my favorite as well such a beautiful fish

[@rachaelw5552]

Great Information! Thanks

[@eyezaquatics6175]

I luv my Jack Dempseys Jack & Jill had them almost 3 years in a 150g with Texas cichlid & others

[@thecosmicdude6881]

Jack Dempsey cichlids and flower horns are great tankmates

[@twistedadjust]

I have a juvenile jack Dempsey in a 90g cant wait to see him full grown

[@dhammaboy1203]

The basket ball shout out was cool! You guys deserve it for your great work. Hey I know a guy here in Australia who has a Jack Dempsey in with his African Cichlids? Would you guys do this? I Have a 90g now and moving up to 150g end of year. I’d love to put something unique in with my Malawi’s but I only have time for one man tank (+ a quarantine) so I’m a little risk adverse.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! I usually wouldn’t recommend mixing them, but it can be work in some cases. For lake Malawi cichlids, I’d recommend Synodontis cats, Plecos, or loaches as possible tank mates

[@dhammaboy1203]

@@CichlidBros actually I sent him a message asking how it worked long term and he said the same. He said his Jack Dempsey is unusually mellow - so much so that he has housed it with tetras in the past. But he concurs that it’s an anomaly not the rule. Thanks guys!

[@wendymcdowell2341]

Thanks for this list. I’m trying to figure out which fish can go into my 75 gallon tank. My Oscar fish died a few weeks ago from cancer, and my Jack Dempsey mostly hides from me now. Oscar and Jack were best buddies, and I’m thinking adding a couple of other cichlids might help.

[@Nikkiboombots]

I was always a cichlid species fish guy but recently I love silver dollars to add to my tank cause it throws off the larger aggressive cichlids cause one on one can be an issue and it diffuses aggression.! I have an 8.5” tiger Oscar, 4.5” Jack and 5 4” silver dollars in a 55 which is small but getting a 90 soon! 125 is perfect but I don’t have the room in my room but can make the 90 work.

[@fabionwilson6992]

I tried a 125 galloon tank ending up selling my tank it was too much for me I want to start again but this time with the right equipment and tank mates

[@brucenewlin6208]

Tank mates for my Jack Dempsey: (1) Gold severum (1) Firemouth (1) Geo Altifrons (1) Black Adonis (6) Redtail sharks (4) Clown loaches XL (12) Assorted corys. I got my JD as a small fish and grew him up in a community tank. He has his own cave where he lurks until feeding time.

[@CichlidBros]

Sounds like a great setup 🤙🏼

[@PULAG]

Wish I was as lucky. Got mine as a baby and put into community tank. Once he gained an inch, he started killing off the other fish. He's so aggressive lol

[@Kopite19877]

What type of corys? Was thinking of getting a jd to go with sterbai and pandas

[@markhamilton2329]

I love your Jack Dempsey Awesome.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@seansquill8773]

Great Video Guys…I love the Jack. Will always be one of my favorite fish!!! I don’t keep one at the moment…only because I’m so invested in geos and my Albino Hecklii. But I will at some point raise a Jack from a Juvie to an Adult👌🏼

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks, Sean! 👊🏻👊🏻

[@calebskingdom5696]

Awesome 👍

[@jacksonhunnicutt4231]

currently i have 3 oscars all around 4-6 inch a green terror about 5inch and a jack dempsey who is about 3-4 inchs he was bullying everyone in my 55 grow tank so i figured it was time to move him to the 210 hes great starting to get some color cant wait for them all to grow and get large

[@jasonsingh5293]

Great video jack Dempsey are really nice fish oscar cichlids is too mean for me and you got to have a large aquarium for them or a pond sevrum are my style of fish right now i two green one yellow one red shoulder and two twerkchise and they all get long very well in my 55 gallon but I will upgrading to a 120 gallon soon and i can't wait for my new setup thanks for sharing

[@naturesfinest2408]

I just discovered your channel. You're in Chicago! Where do you get your fish from? Local? Online? Both?

[@CichlidBros]

Welcome to the channel! Some from local stores like Aquarium Adventure, Aquatica, Old Orchard Aquarium. But some online as well

[@InshardAli]

Hello, just wanted to know, blue electric Jack Dempsey and Rainbow fish can get along in 125g tank?

[@daviddoyonjr5774]

Dude my Oscar became so aggressive watching this video

[@kingtimmy23]

When do we get a vid of troys new custom aquarium?

[@CichlidBros]

Coming very soon

[@vincemccoyii2031]

I'm looking into getting a 55 gallon tank and looking for some tank mates for a jack and mostly what was talked about in the video was 75 gallon or greater ... any ideas on mates and scenery ideas thanks great video

[@CichlidBros]

Convict and Firemouth is probably the best best. Going to be tight either way once the Jack is full grown

[@stevelabree497]

I'm looking to get into the hobby and love the American cichlids. I plan on getting a 180 - 220 gallon tank and would like to know if I should start with a Central American or a South American setup first? Looking for your recommendations on what a good starting point for a beginner should be.

[@CichlidBros]

I would say that some of the South American cichlids have a few more "peaceful" options, but you can't really go wrong with either. Just depends on which you like most!

[@apss5736]

great video

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@Bloomcycle]

My favorite friendly Cichlid is the Fire Mouth

[@dariush3587]

My JD lives with mbunas. I was very afraid of how this would go but they don't really interact at all. The JD stays in his house which is a little disappointing but its better than aggression.

[@peterlindsay2869]

I have an electric blue and it’s the most aggressive Cichlid in my tank. Good thing he’s beautiful lol.

[@cindymetcalfe1878]

I have one and she is really sweet but she is still only one year old.

[@edmillard7682]

i am setting up a 6 ft 135 for a jack demosy and some others. do you know thr cost of the gold daum and what some sotres are that moght have them in stock

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

I've heard that spell check can help with spelling and the internet can help with questions, good luck

[@ozan5105]

I have 117 gallon tank. I want buy 3 male big fish. Oscar , jack dempsey and jaguar but i am worried about jaguar. What do you think about 3 fish together? I liked green terror after i watching your video. Is 4 species suitable for 150 cm aquarium?

[@beat_2008]

I am tempted to buy these fishes now, dont know if they sell the at my lfs

[@melissamoon7799]

What about the bumblebee cichlid? My fish are all juvenile and everyone was getting along great until I introduced the bumblebee. The jack is smaller than him but chases him often. He for the most part holds his own, but I’m still worried. Any thoughts?

[@CichlidBros]

Typically not the ideal pairing. Bumblebees can be very aggressive as adults as well

[@Smallfish16]

Do you think a 180 gallon is ok for a Oscar,Severum, Giant Gourami and Jack Dempsey?

[@Silver73moon]

How many Jack Dempsey could I put in my 215 gallon tank I have 1 now with 2 Oscar with silver dollar (7)angelfish (5)all are juveniles approximately 4-5 months old if I should take out angelfish I’d like your opinion I would like more than just one Jack Dempsey thank you!

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

only one or a pair will attack all the other fish

[@papasmerf6453]

I LOVE that chocolate. Can't wait to get one.

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

That one is as pretty as I've seen, they end up getting quite odd-looking as they grow

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

at 2 minutes 10 seconds is that a chocolate near the top right ? Emerald cichlids are gorgeous, but uncommon

[@gmansuperman2378]

Can I put a jack dempsey, Oscar, pleco. And severum cichlid together

[@iamOTHER44]

Would something smaller like Denison barbs or tiger barbs work with this fish?

[@CichlidBros]

Maybe denison barbs if they aren't too small when introduced. Tiger barbs would be likely be a snack

[@joeprovenzano4362]

I have electric blue Accra, firemouth, green terrors, many kinds of geo’s. All juvenile to subadults. What would you suggest is best foods

[@CichlidBros]

I use pellets and flakes from Xtreme. Mixing in frozen foods as a treat once a week or so

[@Jerseybouy4291]

Question, as an amateur with minimal knowledge is it possible to keep an electric blue jack Dempsey alive?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep it is!

[@PULAG]

4:30 looks like a Jack shredded this dude already lol

[@CichlidBros]

That was footage of a silver dollar at a local fish store, not in my tank

[@meminustherandomgooglenumbers]

4:49 What is that geophagus looking thing in the tank right behind him?

[@Kopite19877]

Would you say jd would be ok with sterbai corydoras or pandas?

[@CichlidBros]

It would definitely be risky. I wouldn’t recommend long term

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

I have a Jack in a community tank. With a pair of breading Green Terrors, a pair of Blue Accaras+1. A Geophagus. I am currently heavy on Green Terrors. Having Thanksgiving babies that are about an inch-ish long now. But the parent pair has brooded another clutch that just hatched 2 days ago. So if you're in the Northern California area. I would be willing to sell these little guys off. Meet in Redding or Chico.

[@jzan8616]

I recently acquired a male/female pair of Nicaraguans. First time I’ve kept them and the aggression from the male towards the female is relentless. She was super stressed and I moved her to my QT tank. In your opinion would I be better off getting another female to spread the aggression out more? Looking for a solution.

[@Geared84]

I had the same issue with my Cuban Cichlid pair, put a divider i the tank with multiple small holes for the female to escape, after a while they will bond.

[@brucestuart2780]

Fairly new to the channel but am loving it from the West Coast of Canada! You may have answered this previously but, the tree branches/roots in the 180, what are they? Are they actual tree branches? If so what type of tree or if they are an aquarium decoration, what is it called and where did you purchase it? I have just ordered a custom 135g that will be for South American Cichlids. This custom build was inspired by your 180 and your Severums...I just have one red spotted in the 75g right now but will be adding more once the new tank is built. Again great channel with lots of great information.

[@apprenticeaquarist479]

i thank u

[@CichlidBros]

You’re welcome!

[@brucon88]

Debating between salulosi or a JD in my 75 that's going to open up once the angels move into my 180.

[@fartmanny]

I have a JD, with a Green Terror, VC-10 hap, albino pleco, and synodontis, along with a Painted turtle in 90 Gallon. All fish are juveniles I have a good amount of hiding spaces.

[@AmazingCichlids]

Robertsoni Elliotti Sajica A few more good tank mates.

[@timn398]

If you get a pair of jacks will local fish stores take the fry?

[@CichlidBros]

It depends on the store, but usually they do. I’d ask around and check with your local spot

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

Petco will take in adoption fish

[@sheilarogge2461]

My guys are names Jack and Dempsy. LOL.

[@AcuariosVoruko]

a fantastic video. My name is Alex, I have a Spanish-speaking aquarophile channel, and I would love to be able to use some images from your video, of course your name would always be at the top of the video and also a link to your channel in the comments box. If you don't agree, nothing happens. For me it would be a pleasure, I await your response, A very strong hug, mate

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! That would fine as long as credit is clear and mentioned. Appreciate you asking

[@jaylexington7696]

How big was y'all's tanks????200g??

[@samikpal5585]

Can I keep jack dempsy with salvini cichlid?? Plz reply.

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, if the tank is 75 gallons or larger

[@kylestewart5000]

I have a 60 gallon tank can you please give me some help on how many jack Dempsey green terror and silver dollar fish I should have in this tank thank you

[@CichlidBros]

I wouldn’t put a green terror in anything less than a 75. For a 60 gallon, I would do one JD or a pair

[@kylestewart5000]

Two males or two females?

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

@@kylestewart5000 one of each

[@RededicateYrLife]

I got it with a convict and ocar

[@kaylagraham6893]

What kind of fish is that rainbow looking fish in the background

[@AntonioCastro-ws8uk]

I keep Dempseys with red devils, Oscars and convicts back in the days

[@darthbiden8675]

Ive got 2 Dempseys with an Oscar, 2 silver dollars, and an albino pleco.

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice

[@NiallMurphyphotography]

How do plecos help with Algae? haha They shit more nutrients into the tank for algae to grow then they clean.

[@CichlidBros]

Depending on the species, they’ll eat some of the algae and then good filtration/water changes removes the waste

[@dariush3587]

Bristlenose plecos solved the problem. I replaced the regular pleco because well... Multiple reasons.

[@Shashankmk]

How about cuban cichlids?

[@CichlidBros]

Maybe. Might be too aggressive

[@sauvageaux]

💙

[@tristanwooten3485]

Had 2 jack dempsey's in a 150gal they had babies they've been with me for 7 years now babies are 3 years old keep jack dempsey's with jack dempsey's

[@sydneywoodbray5008]

The first round was rr

[@joestoddart772]

I had a red tailed shark that had killed off the other community fish I had, so I added a Jack Dempsey. It killed the red tailed shark, and then I introduced an oscar. They got along for several months, but the oscar outgrew the Jack Dempsey and killed it. I had Jack Dempsey's many years ago as a youngster, and had them breed for me, but this recent experience wasn't the best.

[@OfficialParkit]

What about a large mouth bass?

[@CichlidBros]

I wouldn't recommend it

[@Jessica-m2i7s]

I have a jack demcey breeding pair with a oscar easy!

[@meminustherandomgooglenumbers]

7:16 OMG WHAT IS THAT FISH ?!?!?

[@rikscichlidaddiction25]

Can a Jack Dempsey be with African cichlids?

[@CichlidBros]

It can work, especially if the tank is large, but I usually wouldn't recommend it due to varying diets and behaviors

[@rikscichlidaddiction25]

@@CichlidBros 75 gallons

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

@@rikscichlidaddiction25 maybe but they might not express their full potential with some of the angrier african cichlids. maybe peacock cichlids could work

[@dariush3587]

When it works it's cool but when it doesn't... It REALLY doesn't.

[@ReelHardFishing]

Convicts go with anything 😂

[@dariush3587]

Until they have fry. At least that's what happened to me. Had to move the whole family.

[@PULAG]

Can you do a Dempsey with SA Cichlids?

[@CichlidBros]

Depends on the type, but most will be okay. Especially if you have a large tank

[@hnubqub9945]

Convert fish What a gallon I can fit

[@toddpaulus4363]

Do you sell fish?!

[@InnovatewithLes]

Man…now I feel like my 75 gallon sucks because I can’t have an Oscar or a Dempsey in it at the same time with my other fish lol

[@CichlidBros]

You can, just higher risk of aggression issues. Just have a backup plan if it doesn’t work 👍🏻

[@InnovatewithLes]

@@CichlidBros I wish I could get an assessment from you guys expertise by sending pictures or videos of my tank. In my 75 gallon I have: 1 mbuna? Not sure how it's spelled...2 convicts, 1 jewel chiclid, 3 Tropheous now ( bc one killed one while on vacation) 1 electric blue jack Dempsey and 1 blood red parrot. So a total of 9 fish in my 75 gallon. Is there anything on the website that can help with fish aggression analysis? Current situation: one of the tropheous makes the electric blue jack, and the other 2 tropheous stay up high in the corners and chases them constantly. I guess my thoughts were if I got more fish it would curb aggression but I may be wrong... Sorry for the long message

[@CichlidBros]

If you want to email us or DM us on Instagram we’re happy to help. Initial thought is that the mbuna and tropheus are not compatible with the others and may need separated

[@InnovatewithLes]

@@CichlidBros yes please I would love that can you send over an email please 🙏🏽

[@AntonioCastro-ws8uk]

I forgot paco

[@ReelHardFishing]

You want algae eater good with Dempsey that actually eats algae and keeps your tank clean without you doing extra work is a Chinese algae eater

[@paulkindervater842]

If a fish annoys a pleco, that fish will get some scales sucked off.

[@dariush3587]

Exactly.

[@kalament1969]

Will the Jack Dempsys eat all the dither fish??

[@CichlidBros]

If they are big and fast enough, the dither fish will usually be fine. Success rate will also go up with a larger tank

[@jackofalltradesmasterofnon8069]

How can you identify if a Dempsey a male and female

[@CichlidBros]

We talk about it in the video below. Males will have a row of dots under the eye, while females have more color on gill plate. Males will also have more pointed dorsal fins. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKLIf5euec56d68

[@donnie8.12]

I had Jack Dempsey's in my community tank they were the most boring, even the aggressive ones.

[@francesnerison7404]

I have a female jack dempsey and she has been in a tank with an Oscar and multiple convicts for years and this week she has killed all of my other fish including my Oscar that was bigger than her ☹️ I would love to have other fish but I'm scared she's going to kill them! 💔

[@jayeshkhutwal4818]

Chilchid fish breed bio data Breed information making some video

[@chadjones6163]

They make 19 freshwater products and 27 saltwater

[@PantheraPhotoSafaris]

I so wish jack dempseys and oscars didnt destroy planted tanks lol

[@CichlidBros]

Yep

[@williamk9881]

I just wish everyone would quit calling their JD Jack. 😂

[@CichlidBros]

Guilty