Can Angelfish Live With Jack Dempsey Cichlid?
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Angelfish | Jack Dempsey Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–84°F | 72–86°F | 76–84°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | semi-aggressive | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 6" | 10" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Freshwater angelfish are elegant, tall-bodied cichlids that are a centerpiece in many community aquariums. They come in many color varieties including silver, marble, koi, and black. While generally peaceful, they become territorial when breeding and will eat small fish like neon tetras.
Full care guide →Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Rocio octofasciata
Named after the legendary boxer, Jack Dempsey cichlids are large, territorial Central American cichlids with iridescent blue-green spangles across their dark body. They are aggressive, intelligent, and interactive — many owners report them coming to the glass to greet them. The electric blue Jack Dempsey variant is significantly less aggressive and more colorful.
Full care guide →