Jack Dempseys, looking to buy one need info.

[Oplr]

I currently have a fluval roma 240l tank which is 120cm x 40cm x 55cm. I think it works out at 62 US gallons or nearby. The tank has been up and running for around 9 months now with a few Hoplo catfish in and I was wondering if this tank would fit a Jack Dempsey in and if so how many? Would the tank be an OK size for a breeding project?

The tank has a Fluval 306 and an FX6 on for filtration. It currently just has driftwood in with no plants and sand. Would the JD's if they can fit benefit from a planted tank?

Cheers.

 

[Bertie07]

It depends on the dempsey, I would say one in that tank with some tank mates if he accepts them, I’ve had one that killed almost all the fish in its tank after the first night

 

[Oplr]

It depends on the dempsey, I would say one in that tank with some tank mates if he accepts them, I’ve had one that killed almost all the fish in its tank after the first night

Sweet about being able to have at least 1. Would the JD be likely to be happy with the catfish and maybe adding a few rainbows or barbs?

 

[Bertie07]

Sweet about being able to have at least 1. Would the JD be likely to be happy with the catfish and maybe adding a few rainbows or barbs?

You could try him with the cats, really depends on the individual fish as some are really mean and some are super calm and friendly

 

[duanes]

To me, a 62 gal tank is a bit tiny for even 1, because at full size, a male Rocio can hit at least 10".
I have watched a pair defend a territory of an area around 250 gallons in their natural habitat in Cenotes of Mexico
As far as tank mates go, in nature the share habitat with Rhamdia catfish, and large shoals of live bearers like sailfish molly's, that they watch to gauge the threat of danger.
Some of their most common predators are birds, so when the live bearers scatter, they know to hide in caves


Below are a few videos I took of JDs in their natural habitat.
Eden2
JDs and Catfish of Cenote Cristalino
027 zps4b102ffd

 

[Osen80]

I had hoplos with my nics and it went fine, as long as the nics were not breeding.
When they did, the hoplos were allways hiding in my java ferns.
Looked like a strange christmas tree and I sold them to someones more peaceful community tank.
EBJDs are said not to be as aggressive as common JDs, but floor space is really critical .
I would give it a try, but just if the EBJD has the whole floor for himself, no catfish at all.