Can Congo Tetra Live With Jack Dempsey Cichlid?
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Congo Tetra | Jack Dempsey Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 72–86°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 3.5" | 10" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo tetras are the showstoppers of the tetra family. Males develop spectacular flowing fins with an iridescent rainbow sheen that shifts from blue to gold to green under aquarium lighting. They are larger than most tetras (up to 3.5 inches) and need a spacious, well-planted tank to display their full beauty. Peaceful but shy — they thrive with calm tank mates.
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 →