Description

The Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Cichlid or Mexican Blue Frontosa (Rocio Octofasciata) is a species of cichlid fish found in slow-moving freshwaters, such as swampy areas with warm, murky water, weedy, mud and sand-bottomed canals, and rivers from southern Mexico to Honduras.

Its name refers to its aggressive nature and strong features, likened to that of the famous 1920s boxer, Jack Dempsey. The coloration changes as it matures from a light gray or tan with faint turquoise flecks to a dark purple-gray with very bright, iridescent blue, green, and gold flecks. The blue variant of this fish is naturally occurring genetic mutation, and tend to be less aggressive, smaller in size and more delicate. During breeding both genders considerably darken in color, appearing almost black with little to no metallic coloration. Their colors will also change under stress.

Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Cichlids or Mexican Blue Frontosa males can reach up to 10″ inches in length, and are carnivorous, eating most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, ocean plankton, as well as live fish, crustaceans, and insects. The dorsal and anal fins of mature males have long, pointed tips. Females lack the exaggerated tips.

It is recommended that the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey Cichlids or Mexican Blue Frontosa is provided with plenty of places to hide.