Electric Blue Dempsey?

[Knife_Punch]

Hey all,

I am starting an 80 gal planted tank pretty soon so I was looking around at a LFS that I visit often when I came across some small "Electric Blue Dempseys". I figure I could keep about 2 or 3 in the tanks and leave it at that, but I wanted to know if anyone here has had experience with these and if they are dyed or unnatural? Also will the coloration stay or will they end up looking like a regular Dempsey?

Thanks!

Knife_Punch

 

[Natalie]

I am currently raising blue Dempseys (often abbreviated to EBJDs) and there is a lot of information to be found on several sites regarding their care. They are not dyed, but rather are a particular color morph of the Jack Dempsey and will retain their blue color throughout life. (They do change their shades and patterns of blue as they mature, which is cool to see.)

I would refer you to an EBJD-specific website which can give you all the information you need to know on keeping an EBJD. http://bluejax.co.uk/keeping.aspx

When they are small, they are very sensitive to water conditions and and VERY susceptible to parasites because the blue coloration is achieved through inbreeding and their immune systems are thus weakened. Many well-intentioned owners lose their young blue Dempseys because they are so sensitive, and sometimes medical treatment doesn't help. Once the fish gets to about 3-4 inches big, their immune systems boost up and they grow to the same size and aggression as a regular Jack Dempsey. For that reason, I think with an 80g tank you could keep a pair easily, but a third would probably be picked on. Many EBJD owners also choose to pair their EBJD with a regular JD, because female EBJDs are harder to come by.

Good luck in your quest!

 

[Knife_Punch]

Awesome!!

The advice is greatly appreciated! I will research further before picking up a pair.

Thank you Natalie!

 

[Natalie]

You're very welcome. They really are a beautiful fish, and the website I linked above has been very helpful for me.

A lot of people would say the EBJD is less agressive than regular JDs, but if you visit the forum on that link, many people have raised male EBJDs that were still extremely aggressive and would not tolerate other males in the same tank. For that purpose, I think it's safe to say you may end up with an EBJD that is just as aggressive as the JD.

Take a look at that forum if you get a chance. People have posted a lot of wonderful advice on the food, medications, and tank equipment that work best for their juveniles, and will definitely give you a head-start on raising a healthy EBJD. My three juvies are thriving as well as any other cichlid I've owned, but they are a wee bit more high-maintenance in their water changes and food needs, etc. I'd be happy to pass along any particular tips if you have questions, although I have to admit I'm still fairly new to the EBJD.

 

[mbunafishkeeper]

they are not died they stay blue but there is one thing if they are under 4" they are hard to get them to live until 4" but if bigger they are then easy

say 1 in 12 will make it if they are under 4"

but never the less they are lovely fish.

 

[PoopSmart]

its rare to see big electric blues. One becasue they are new to the hobby, and two because they are harder to grow out. (like natalie and mbuna said)

I think it would be a good idea to put one ebjd and a regular jd maybe and just have them breed (if you get a reg jack dempsey with the blue gene you can breed your own ebjds I think I am not 100% but I am pretty sure) but you will get frustrated with a planted tank.

The Jack dempseys will be doing all the aquascaping when you're not looking.

If you truly want it planted I would go with something like discus, rams, or angels. Maybe other dwarf cichlids too.

I just think you will have problems keeping plants and jack dempseys.

 

[Natalie]

say 1 in 12 will make it if they are under 4"

This depends on where your EBJD is obtained from, in many cases. Several people have been breeding more hardy strains of EBJDs; some can be found on Aquabid.com (I'll put in a shout-out for the seller "HOLLYWOOD" because I got two of my juvies from him and have had no difficulties with them so far, and the parents are GORGEOUS).

Getting an EBJD from a LFS is a crap-shoot. Unfortunately some suppliers just breed them to make a quick buck and could care less about the quality of their health as long as they get sick in someone else's hands. Other stores obtain their juvies from known breeders. In the end, EBJDs can be a fantastic and satisfying fish to keep, but can also cause heartbreak if you buy one from a weak strain that has no immune system whatsoever.

 

[cichlidmasterpro]

Just to add to the amazing death rate i have bought 4 ebjd and have one alive they seem to die for no reason no sign of sickness on any of the ones that died i have been keeping cichlids for over ten years and hardly ever have a death so good luck my ebjd is around 3 or 4 inchs so i still have my fingers crossed

 

[John Rambo]

I agree with Natalie, I got mine from Hollywood as well and they are doing great. I did loose one without any warning or sighns of illness, but the living ones are healthy and colorful. I must recommend Hollywood as well. In fact I bought another set of five due to the quality of those fish.

 

[andyourblueblood]

this should be in the hybrid section. ebjds are not a true fish. they are hybrids between a male jd and a female managuense. also they are f'n bad ass fish!!!! i love them. sensitive as babys ive heard though. get some!!!!!! 3 maybe too many in a 80 though, that is, if they all live!