Jack Demsy's

[Wingman001]

I have two jack demsys that I have had for about a year now, they have drown rather big compared to when i got them. They tend to be shy and I am lucky if I see them once a day.

the one is defiantly a male bright colors stripes, the other has some good coloring but not as much. I was told she is a female.

There not breeding and I was wondering if I was missing something ph is neutral, temperature is 28 c?

[Zafgak]

Hi Wingman - Jack Dempsey ( Named after the boxer ,cause they are so tough..
Archocentrus octofasciatum
Not an easy fish to breed but try a water change with a quick rise in temperature of about 2-3 degrees, That might get them to go. Also condition them for a week with live food if possible..

They normally want a flat rock (slate) hoizontal on which to lay the eggs.
When the eggs hatch they move them to a depression in the substrate - so keep your tank clean.

They are really good parents so don't try to remove the eggs.

BEWARE - when breeding can be VERY agressive - better to breed in their own tank.

[SauRoN]

I didn't even know you get them locally.

What size tank are they in? I believe they require massive tanks much like Oscars.

[Wingman001]

Last night moved a rock in the tank and they where swimming up against my hand. I have had them from about 2 inches and now the male is about 4 1/2 inch female about 4 inch.

they are in a 60 Litter tank (Standard 2 foot), and are fine!

They tend to be really shy though.

[SauRoN]

60LITRES???

Those fish should have about 200litres EACH.

Are you sure these are Jack Dempseys?

http://www.willegal.net/tropical_fish/jack.jpg

[Wingman001]

Yip Pritty sure thats them.
They seem fine in the tank, I think that might be for a fully grown one!
If you email me i can tell you whee you can find them!

[SauRoN]

4-inches aren't fully grown sure, but the limited territory might be stressing them to the point that they won't breed.

If fine equals alive, then they might not be all that happy.

[Wingman001]

haha, you may be right!