Jack Dempsy's and Firemouths

Does any one have jack dempsey's and/or firemouths! I'm going to buy some in the next week or two so does anyone know any info on care and stuff like that!


Thanks!

 

Im a dempsey fanatic!! They are the prettiest & have the most personality out of just about any fish Ive seen - Dempseys are aggressive (depending on the fish) to the point where tankmates either have to be armor plated or a similar size & temperment to avoid being lunch. you want to be EXTREMELY careful about tankmates. But it all depends on the fish... My dempsey Popeye lives in peace with 5 giant danios - anything else he would kill in a matter of hours. They are timid & love places to hide... they also enjoy dim lighting (I folded a white undershirt & placed it between the florescent light fixture & hood) They will move a pound of gravel a day it seems...they love to dig trenches & "remodel" their homes alot. Plants are not safe around Dempseys, they will uproot & tear apart any live stuff, so plastic plants are the only way to go. If you want more than one, buy them as small juviniles & watch them closely. They seem to get along better if they grow up together AND have enough room in the tank to claim their own territory. Ive either seen them live together in peace or one will become dominant & bully & chase the other to the point of the weaker one not eating. they do grow quite large (8"-10") so a 55 gal to a 70 gal (preferred) is needed for ONE fullgrown adult. they do grow slowly, however... they have a long lifespan (as long as 8-10 years!)... & they are like aquatic garbage disposals in the fact that they are omnivors & will eat just about any fish food made. Ill write more if i can think of more! enjoy!

 

Are they good with firemouths?

 

I have absolutly no experience with firemouths... t_chelle, you have any idea?

 

What size tank will they be going in?

-Chelle

 

i think it is a 60g. im not 100% sure though

 

Can you give me the dimensions of the tank so I can calculate the volume?

If it is a 60, I would only put one JD in there and a bottom feeder.
Or, you could go with 2 (maybe 3) firemouths and a bottom feeder.

-Chelle