Blue Dempsey – let”s call the cichlazoma by the name of the boxer

The vibrant and eye-catching Blue Dempsey, also known as the cichlazoma, has won over many aquarium enthusiasts. This colorful cichlid gets its name from the boxing champion it is named after, who has a fierce yet beautiful appearance. The Blue Dempsey is a true standout in any tank thanks to its brilliant blue scales and audacious personality.

This fish, which is native to Central America, is more than just another attractive face. It infuses the aquarium with a special fusion of color and charisma. Its vivid blue colors really draw attention to it, and its lively behavior livens up your aquatic setup. Like its namesake in the boxing ring, this fish demands respect and attention.

The Blue Dempsey is renowned for its powerful presence and robust nature in addition to its beauty. Its tendency toward territoriality and assertiveness only serves to enhance its allure and makes it an intriguing species to watch. The Blue Dempsey fish could be the ideal addition to your aquarium if you’re searching for a striking and eye-catching fish.

Origin, habitat, biotope

An artificially created morph (color variation) is Blue Dempsey. This is a common variation of Rocio octofasciata, the eight-banded cichlid. The blue dempsey’s hybridity has never been verified in any manner.

The blue dempsey is the product of color-based selective breeding on the basis of the eight-banded cichlid, or Rocio octofasciata. Additionally, keep in mind that the eight-banded and diamond cichlids are two distinct species. The blue dempsey has eight bands exactly.

The eight-banded cichlid Rocio octofasciata has a color variation called blue dempsey; this species should not be confused with diamond and its variations. Dempsey with its color is not found in nature. Additionally, it bears Jack (William Harrison) Dempsey’s name, the well-known boxer. The fish was initially thought to be lively and aggressive. Subsequently, this shaky glory vanished, and the cichlid was revealed to be an average cichlid, despite being incredibly agile and gregarious.

And living in the rivers of southern Mexico and Honduras is the progenitor, the eight-banded cichlid (remember, do not confuse the dempsey with contemporary morphs of other species).

Cichlids with eight bands search the bottom of any river. Their main food sources are worms and larvae. Plants in water cannot be safe. Eight-banded cichlids in the wild destroy everything and everyone. The boxers of the soil and bottom are the blue dempsey.

Appearance, dimorphism

A fish that is about 10 to 15 cm in size and kept in an aquarium. Like all cichlids, it has a massive, elongated body. Typical hue: bluish-turquoise with a hint of grayish-silver. Occasionally, the body has dark stripes (remaining from the eight-striped form). Normally, this is not regarded as a flaw.

Since no one has altered the water’s parameters, the color’s brilliance frequently depends on the health and content of the fish. Vibrant colors are a result of more acidic water. On the other hand, knowledgeable ichthyologists claim that fish with acidic water live shorter lives.

It is challenging to tell a male from a female. The dorsal fin of the male is sharper, but this is debatable. Additionally, the female’s abdomen is convex—but only when she is spawning.

It is simple to keep the fish in pairs. For content, 150 liters is more than sufficient. Once a week, 20–25% of the water should be changed.

Water parameters that are necessary:

• Temperature: 24-28 °C,

Equipment and soil

It is preferable to use marble chips, tiny pebbles, and other comparable fillers for the soil. Vallisneria is the most suitable plant, though Anubias and Cryptocorynes are also good choices.

A typical set of tools is needed:

Nutrition

Although blue dempsey are omnivores, fish require natural food sources such as plants and animals. Additives made of plants are welcome.

Natural food is needed as an addition, but dry animal-based food (flakes, granules) can be used as a base:

Reproduction and breeding

Blue Dempsey occasionally and surprisingly spawns in a public aquarium. However, nothing might be left of the droppings. It is therefore preferable to set up a different spawning tank.

There is no need to create anything because the spawning tank’s water parameters and conditions are the same as those of a typical aquarium. Simply change the water more frequently—daily, by up to 15% or more. It is time for the water to "settle." Additionally, it is preferable to switch the breeding fish to natural food. Fish do not have harems; they reproduce in pairs (do not listen to stupid advice).

The fish in the spawning tank will figure it out for themselves. Regular water changes and temperature maintenance are crucial. The female lays 500–1000 eggs in a few days. Adult fish shouldn’t be moved because the dempsey protects the eggs. After the fry hatch, the cichlids must be moved to a shared aquarium. It is best to raise the fry’s temperature to 30 °C at this point. The fry have a better chance of surviving at higher temperatures.

If the fries aren’t blue, you shouldn’t be concerned because 80–90% of them will turn blue as they get older. It is not possible to capture all the blue hue. It is even more common to cross males of the "wild" eight-striped cichlazoma form in order to preserve the "breed."

Two to three days after the fry appear, feeding should start. In such circumstances, live dust and other common food for fry are better suited for nauplia and infusoria. Using dry commercial food is preferable for frying for two to three weeks.

Subspecies and varieties

The blue dempsey has no subspecies or varieties.

Hybridization with other species is the subject of rumors only. It is obvious that the color is merely the result of artificial selection using blue fry.

Often referred to as the "boxer" of aquarium fish, the Blue Dempsey is an intriguing fish that combines beauty with a hint of sass. It is understandable why this cichlid sticks out in any tank with its vivid blue scales and unique markings. Anyone who enjoys aquarium life can be captivated by its appearance alone.

But Blue Dempsey is more than just a pretty face. Its color is striking, but so is its personality. This fish, which is well-known for being territorial, adds drama and excitement to your aquarium. It’s crucial to keep in mind that although they are beautiful, they also require a carefully thought-out habitat in order to flourish. Maintaining the happiness and health of this "boxer" depends on appropriate tank sizing, compatible tank mates, and ideal water conditions.

In conclusion, the Blue Dempsey can be a great addition to your aquarium if you’re willing to handle a little drama and make sure the proper conditions are met. It stands out as a great option for enthusiasts wishing to infuse their aquatic setup with a dash of excitement due to its colorful appearance and dynamic behavior. Just keep in mind that although this fish needs a little more attention, the reward is a vibrant and eye-catching focal point for your tank.

The Blue Dempsey, also called the "Boxer Cichlid," is a bold and hardy fish distinguished by its lively disposition and vivid blue coloring. Named for its intense, competitive personality that resembles the perseverance of a boxer, this cichlid is a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. We’ll explore everything in this post, from the Blue Dempsey’s distinct appearance and behavior to the maintenance needed to keep it healthy, that makes it an excellent addition to any tank.

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