Green Terror vs Jack Dempsey

[Americancichlids]

Just a compare and contrast between the two cichlids. They seem to go hand in hand. Just list some pros and con's about each
- Color
- Size
- aggressiveness
- body shape
- owner response
- Etc.
And which one is your favorite!

 

[Manu8__too]

They definitely don't go hand-in-hand. One is from Central America and the other is from South America. Although they can both be aggressive, Green Terrors are typically more outgoing and make much better "wet pets". Adult JD's tend to be skittish and uber-cautious. In regards to size, they can both get to 10+ inches, but it's more common for them to max out around 9-10" (males that is). I think they're equally colorful once they reach adulthood. JD's are readily available in just about every chain pet store, as where quality GT's are getting harder to come by. That said, I definitely prefer Green Terrors.

 

[Americancichlids]

They definitely don't go hand-in-hand. One is from Central America and the other is from South America. Although they can both be aggressive, Green Terrors are typically more outgoing and make much better "wet pets". Adult JD's tend to be skittish and uber-cautious. In regards to size, they can both get to 10+ inches, but it's more common for them to max out around 9-10" (males that is). I think they're equally colorful once they reach adulthood. JD's are readily available in just about every chain pet store, as where quality GT's are getting harder to come by. That said, I definitely prefer Green Terrors.

When I say hand in hand just they are the ones that come to mind at a pet store for example: Oscar, convict, Dempsey , terror lol

 

[Manu8__too]

When I say hand in hand just they are the ones that come to mind at a pet store for example: Oscar, convict, Dempsey , terror lol

Gotcha. When I think hand-in-hand, I think Texas/Carpintis, Red Devil/Midas, Convict/HRP, etc.

 

[convict360]

I love JD's, especially their mouth shape; I also love Green Terror's cause they remind me of Ridley Scott's 'Alien' lol.

Definitely GT for wet pet though, which ultimately makes it the better fish, for me personally.

 

[Benno87]

Gts all the way, mine is crazy lol easily as much personality as an oscar and way more than a jd IMO. They become pretty personable when in a tank by themselves. Just painfully slow growing lol have only managed to get 2.5-3 inches of growth outta mine in the 6 months I've had him.

 

[vinod_uthaiah]

GT's have a lot of personality...more interactive , more aggressive
JD's are skittish and shy , tend to swim lower half of the tank(instinct) , tend to avoid a fight unless pushed..
And my vote goes to JD...just love them

 

[convict360]

Gts all the way, mine is crazy lol easily as much personality as an oscar and way more than a jd IMO. They become pretty personable when in a tank by themselves. Just painfully slow growing lol have only managed to get 2.5-3 inches of growth outta mine in the 6 months I've had him.

Interesting, though to be fair; 0.5 inches is pretty decent i think, 6 months to me isn't a long time in this hobby

 

[Benno87]

Interesting, though to be fair; 0.5 inches is pretty decent i think, 6 months to me isn't a long time in this hobby

Very true when you put it like that, I'm just being impatient lol. The last Americans I kept before getting back into it a year ago were oscars and Severums 2 of the faster growing cichlids. I did have a terror back then but I bought him at 6 inches already so missed out on the main grow out period. I bought this little guy when he was tiny though and have found out they are much slower than I anticipated. I'm not bothered though as I am enjoying him a lot and I know hel be worth the wait.

 

[viejafish]

- Color: Equally colorful, just different. GT are lighter and more greenish. JD are darker and more bluish.
- Size: Equal in size. Male GT and JD max out at 10 inch. Females around 6 inch
- aggressiveness: Equally mildly aggressive. Depending on individuals, some GT will dominate over JD, and vice versa.
- body shape: JD are more elongated than GT. Male GT have big hump, JD never.
- owner response: GT are more interactive. JD are skittish if kept alone or lacking calming tankmates
- Etc. JD are readily available. High quality GTs are hard to find. JD and GT can be kept together and can tolerate wide range of water quality. JD are easy to sex (females have green beard). GT are hard until reaching sexual maturity.