Can I have a jack?

[mshill90]

I have a 75 gallon aquarium that is home to some gouramis, tetras, loaches, a pleco, danio and a catfish.

It's not too filled and there are hiding spots that the fish don't even use.

I really, really, really want an electric blue jack dempsey.

I know they are in the cichlid family, and I was told I will never be able to have them with my fish together. I only want one.

I did some reading and have read that they are more shy when there is only one, and less aggressive than convicts etc..

Is there any hope for me to have one without risking the others?

And if I can't get a jack, what are some nice colorful fish that I could have to make my tank look brighter? I really don't want any discus.

 

[gt1009]

What kind of tetras are they? The size of them will really determine what you can get. The EBJD may work, if not you could try some angels or some geophagus, which tend to be a little bit less aggressive.

 

[CTU2fan]

Yeah, if it's large tetras/danio then I'd definitely try it, though you might want to find an EBJD with a bit of size on it so the gouramis don't mess with it.

 

[mshill90]

All of the tetras are small... Like an inch...

The gouramis are not large, but not small. I would say 2.5 inches.

I want to get a small EBJD. About 2 inches in size. Smaller if I can find smaller.

 

[sunshinehippy]

Hiya,

My EBJD is about 2 inches now and very timid. He is scared of taking food from the Congo Tetras! But bear in mind that the Congos are about 2.5" and will get slightly bigger. Make sure though with your selection of fish that your EBJD gets food. I have to hand feed mine chunks of brine shrimp just so that he gets some food as he is not as quick or as bold as the others. Fortunately he knows the regime and happily takes the food from my hand so he never loses out. I am sure when he gets a bit bigger he will come out of his shell a bit more.

I am pretty sure a timid EBJD will get on fine with all your fish but I wouldnt be so sure about neons if you have any.

 

[Toby_H]

I think a Blue Dempsey would make a nice addition to your tank...

They do require a bit of special care when they are young... definitely do your homework before investing, but with proper cae I think your tank would make a great home for one.

 

[MBilyeu]

The problem wont happen now when the ebjd is small. What you will have to worry about is that the tetras are big enough in the future when the ebjd is over 5" or so. That is when it will be big enough to eat smaller tetras.

 

[sunshinehippy]

The problem wont happen now when the ebjd is small. What you will have to worry about is that the tetras are big enough in the future when the ebjd is over 5" or so. That is when it will be big enough to eat smaller tetras.

 

[TangoWRX]

Do it, they are awsome fish, just ditch the tiny fish when he grows. But as someone else said they need top care and if you ever see the dreaded white poo sort it asap.

 

[bgcoop8784]

Personally i'd give it a try, i agree with above gonna have to pay close attention to the ebjd at first, and also once he reaches larger sizes you might have trouble with him trying to eat the smaller ones, but by then, the ebjd will be your fav. fish and you'll be wanting larger fish anyway.