Do Jack Dempsey fish eat their babies?

Do Jack Dempsey fish eat their babies?

As with many other new cichlid parents, Jack Dempseys may consume their first few broods. But after spawning several times, they usually get the hang of parenting. Though it’s been reported if they are overly disturbed, they may eat their fry.

How many eggs does a Jack Dempsey lay?

Recently, however, they spawned again and though they laid around 300 eggs, very few of them hatched (maybe 60). The parents were very attentive as they should be while caring for the eggs, until they hatched.

Do Jack Dempseys bite?

Don’t worry. JD are timid cichlid and don’t attack or bite, except when they are raising fry.

Do Jack Dempseys like fast water?

Ecology. The Jack Dempsey natively lives in a tropical climate and prefers water with a pH of 6-7, a water hardness of 9–20 dGH, and a temperature range of 22–30 °C (72–86 °F).

Where do Jack Dempseys lay eggs?

Jack Dempseys lay their eggs on a flat hard surface within their territory, such as rocks, logs, or the glass bottom of an aquarium. Like most cichlids, they show substantial parental care: both parents help incubate the eggs and guard the fry when they hatch.

How can you tell a male Jack Dempsey from a female?

The most reliable way to tell male from female Jack Dempseys is to check their cheeks. Males have bluish spots directly behind their eyes, with no spots on the lower part near their mouth. Markings on females extend the full length of the cheek with large iridescent blotches on the lowest part of the cheek.

What can Jack Dempsey breed with?

The common name for the Jack Dempsey may make you think that this fish is a bruiser. But, given the right setup, it can be a good tank mate if kept with similar cichlids. They will get more aggressive the more cramped they feel, especially if you have a mated pair.

How long can you keep a Jack Dempsey fish together?

Keeping the fish couple for 3-6 month together and then for 1.5-3 month or more apart, is considered to be ok if you keep Jack Dempsey fish couple in a small tank (in a big tank the female fish just swims to its other side and usually the male fish doesn’t chase her).

How old are Jack Dempsey fish when they become reproductive?

As for Jack Dempsey fish kept in a tank, they become reproductive at the age of 6 month already. When the fish “teens” are kept together in one tank they create couples themselves. Forced formation of the couple may be rather troublesome, since males are rather demanding in this respect.

How did the Jack Dempsey fish get its name?

Jacks are named after world heavyweight boxing champion (1919-1926) Jack Dempsey. Nicknamed the “Manassa Mauler”, Jack Dempsey was famous for his ruthless, unbridled attacks in the boxing ring. Likewise, Jack Dempsey cichlids can be very aggressive toward other fish in the aquarium.

How big of a tank do I need for a Jack Dempsey?

For a single fish, you would require 55 gallons of water. So, that would give you an idea of the amount of space you need for hosting multiple Jack Dempseys. Jack Dempseys live in slow-moving water. Therefore, get a filter that creates a low current in your tank.

Keeping the fish couple for 3-6 month together and then for 1.5-3 month or more apart, is considered to be ok if you keep Jack Dempsey fish couple in a small tank (in a big tank the female fish just swims to its other side and usually the male fish doesn’t chase her).

As for Jack Dempsey fish kept in a tank, they become reproductive at the age of 6 month already. When the fish “teens” are kept together in one tank they create couples themselves. Forced formation of the couple may be rather troublesome, since males are rather demanding in this respect.

Jacks are named after world heavyweight boxing champion (1919-1926) Jack Dempsey. Nicknamed the “Manassa Mauler”, Jack Dempsey was famous for his ruthless, unbridled attacks in the boxing ring. Likewise, Jack Dempsey cichlids can be very aggressive toward other fish in the aquarium.

How often should I Feed my Jack Dempsey cichlid?

How Often to Feed. Like other cichlids, feed your Jack Dempseys two to three times a day, but only as much as they’ll devour in a minute or two. Watch your fish carefully as the more aggressive ones will eat quicker and may leave little to nothing for less aggressive fish.