Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)

The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a true centerpiece fish, prized for its intense iridescent blue coloration and bold cichlid personality. This selectively bred variant of the classic Jack Dempsey offers all the presence of the original — with a far more striking, electric appearance that stands out in any aquarium.
At Magnolia Aquatics Company, our Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are home-raised in our fishroom, ensuring strong, healthy fish that are already adapted to aquarium life. These are not delicate imports — they are conditioned, actively feeding, and growing with proper care from the start.
🏅 Premium Home-Raised Stock
• Bred & raised in our home fishroom
• Healthy, active, and feeding aggressively
• Strong coloration and development
• Quality over quantity — always
About the Species
Originally native to Central America, the Jack Dempsey is known for its confident behavior and commanding presence. The Electric Blue variant has been selectively bred for its vibrant coloration, resulting in a fish that combines beauty with classic cichlid behavior.
While more visually striking than the wild type, Electric Blues are often slightly less aggressive — making them more manageable in the right setups.
Color, Size & Presence
Electric Blue Jack Dempseys develop a brilliant, shimmering blue coloration that intensifies as they mature.
• Adult Size: 6–8 inches
• Body Type: Thick, muscular cichlid
• Coloration: Bright electric blue with iridescent sheen
• Visual Impact: Extremely high — true centerpiece fish
👉 This is not a background fish — this is the fish your tank is built around.
Behavior & Compatibility
Electric Blue Jack Dempseys have a moderate cichlid temperament and should be housed accordingly.
• Semi-aggressive — typical cichlid behavior
• Best kept with similarly sized or robust tank mates
• Can be kept solo, in pairs, or in carefully planned communities
• Territorial as they mature
With the right setup, they display confident, interactive behavior and quickly recognize feeding routines.
Tank Requirements
Proper setup is key to getting the best out of this species:
• Temperature: 76–82°F
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (larger preferred)
• Environment: Rocks, wood, and structured territories
• Filtration: Strong filtration recommended
Providing hiding spots and territory breaks helps manage aggression and stress.
Feeding
Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are strong, eager eaters and thrive on a varied diet:
• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
• Occasional live foods
A protein-rich diet will help maintain color and growth.
Breeding Overview
Breeding Electric Blue Jack Dempseys is more challenging than standard Jack Dempseys due to genetics.
• Egg-laying substrate spawners
• Pairs may form naturally or be selected
• Parental care is strong once a pair is established
• Fry require attentive care and proper feeding
These are often kept more for their display value than breeding ease.
Why Buy From Magnolia Aquatics Company?
We take the time to raise fish correctly — not rush them to sale.
Our Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are:
• Properly grown and conditioned
• Selected for health and color development
• Raised in stable, controlled environments
When they arrive, they are ready to thrive — not recover.
Electric Blue Jack Dempseys bring power, color, and presence to an aquarium — a true statement fish for hobbyists ready to step into larger, more advanced setups.
Magnolia Aquatics Company — Where quality comes from home.