Hi, I have a 55 gallon tank with three 2" cichlids, an algae eater, a 4" hammerhead shark like fish and a 6" Jack Demsey.
When I bought the Jack Demsey last year they told me he would get along with the cichlids, and he did, like a charm. I think he was maybe 4" then. I'm not sure, but the cichlids were a lot smaller %26 it was OK.
Anyway, all of a sudden he is being aggressive with my most beautiful blue cichild, chasing him and even staying close to him to keep a watch on him. The poor thing now hides in the corner all day. I'm afraid that the blue fish is going to die of stress. What would make a docile Jack Demsey suddenly a bully?
Are Jack Demsey's usually too aggressive for cichlids?
My next question is regarding Tiger Barbs. I like barbs and think they are pretty. All the stores tell me they won't get along, but I've seen messages on boards where people are keeping them together. What are your experiences?
Also, could I add a betta to this tank?
Answers:
Jack Demsey are Cichlids---they're a subspecies of Cichlid, like the Oscar, Convict, ect. All are Cichlids, simply different species of Cichlid.
The Cichlid family, in general, are inherently aggressive. Jack Demseys are typically aggressive to any other fish that are smaller than them or they bully more docile fish (who won't 'fight back').
As someone else suggested, try putting more hiding places in your tank for your blue cichlid. If that doesn't work you'll probably need to rehome your Jack Demsey (if you want to keep the blue cichlid). You could also try getting a 'mate' for your blue cichlid. Pairs tend to be more aggressive than a solitary cichlid.but then you may end up with the blue cichlids bullying the Jack Demsey.
The key with keeping cichlids is making sure you pick species that are compatible. In the case of a Jack Demsey you have to keep them with other cichlids who are -just- as aggressive as they are. Most can be put in with Oscars or Convicts because they share a similar level of aggressiveness.
As for Tiger Barbs and Betta. NO. Both are too small (in comparison to the cichlids) to be kept with cichlids. Your cichlids would bully them and eventually kill them (and possibly eat them, depending on size differences). While Tiger Barbs are aggressive, their aggression is no where NEAR the aggression level of a cichlid like the Jack Demsey. Bettas are even worse off---Bettas are typically only aggressive to other male Bettas. In fact many people keep Bettas in tanks with guppies, tetras, ect.they're usually very docile in a tropical community setup with other non-aggressive fish.
Hope that helps!
Jack Demsey's are an aggressive fish especially when there are smaller fish in the tank. You may want to add hiding places for your fish, or consider getting rid of the demsey. As far as putting barbs or even a betta in the tank they will be food for your cichlids and your demsey.
Well jack dempseys are aggresive, and much bigger than tiger barbs. Also tiger barbs dont really mix well with other fish. If you have less than like 8 they will pick on any other fish you have regardless of size. however, if you buy a bunch of them, they tend to just pay attention to their internal pecking order. The PH for both are about the same, which is good. I personally dont think its a good idea to keep anything but cichlids with cichlids. Oh and by the way a jack dempsey is in fact a cichlid.
No bettas and no to barbs!
jack Dempsey's are cichilds ! and very aggressive !! you really need to do more research on your fish keeping you have a disaster waiting to happen with that tank !! BTW if your getting this kind of advice from your local fish store stop going there !! they do not know fish ! again BTW you do not have a hammerhead shark in your tank I dont care what they told you it was !
yes . you can add a betta.yes jacks are very agressive.(had a pair when i was younger).as far as the barbs .supply them with a lot of cover the betta will like it too.your beautiful blue cichlid may even come out of his corner.NOT! first get rid af mr. jack dempsey.barbs, tetras,bettas,even the alghea eater are at risk of being eaten.
i dont know
No, i think Cichilds are salt water fish but barbs are fresh water fish and thanks for 2 points
I used to have a Jack Dempsey (BlackJack) and they are a Cichlid. They are very aggressive. I had my Jack Dempsey in with a Black Convict Cichlid and it killed it. The Black Convict was actually bigger than my Jack Dempsey. I couldn't put anymore fish in the tank with him and I had him for almost 7 years before he died.
My advice would be to put him in a different tank or find someone that wants him and would be okay to keep him by himself.
BlackJack was a great fish and he got to be around 10" inches in length. If I ever got another fish, I would get a Jack Dempsey.
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