Jack Dempsey tank mates
Rocio octofasciata
5 rated pairings from the Jack Dempsey care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Jack Dempsey needs at least 55 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Use caution
3 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
30 gal min · 6" adult · Aggressive
Similar aggression levels; only viable in very large tanks with plenty of territory
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
30 gal min · 6" adult · Semi-aggressive
Comparable size and temperament; requires careful monitoring and ample space
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Peaceful
Large, active fish that may provoke aggression; only in 75+ gallon tanks
Also recommended alongside Jack Dempsey
Species whose own guides list Jack Dempsey as a tank mate.
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Aggressive
Green Terror Cichlid
Andinoacara rivulatus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Aggressive
Marble Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
75 gal min · 12" adult · Aggressive
Salvin's Cichlid
Cichlasoma salvini
55 gal min · 8" adult · Aggressive
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
55 gal min · 12" adult · Aggressive
Vieja Maculicauda
Vieja maculicauda
125 gal min · 14" adult · Semi-aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.