Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, also known by the acronym EBJD, is a selectively bred color form of the common Jack Dempsey (Rocio otofasciata). Unlike the wild form, the Electric blue jack dempsey sports a stunning powder blue coloration with black spots that can vary in size and abundance among individuals. Electric blue jack dempseys grow slower, stay smaller and tend to be less aggressive than their popular wild counterparts. Only one Electric blue jack dempsey is recommended per aquarium. Distinguishing male and female EBJD is difficult. An adult Electric blue jack dempsey can reach a size of approximately 8″.
Diet Requirements: Electric blue jack dempsey are carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality protein based flake foods, sinking pellet foods and frozen foods such as bloodworms, beef heart or other mixed freshwater preparations are ideal. Freeze-dried proteins, such as Tubifex worms or mysis shrimp for example, are also acceptable. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for an Electric blue jack dempsey. EBJD are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Biweekly or weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm), especially as the fish gains size and takes a toll on the biological filtration. If maintenance or diet are neglected, Electric blue jack dempseys have been observed to be very susceptible to head and lateral line erosion, odd defects and stunted growth. The aquarium should be aquascaped with various driftwood, rocks and artificial plants. As the EBJD grows, it may reaquascape the tank by piling up mounds of substrate. When small, the Electric blue jack dempsey should be kept with relatively peaceful tank mates. As it matures, tank mates may need to be reassessed accordingly. Electric blue jack dempseys will eat fish that can fit in their mouths. Recommended water conditions, 76-80° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.5-8.0.
Purchase Size: Small: 1” to 1-1/2”; Medium: 1-3/4” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
