Can Jack Dempsey Cichlid Live With Clown Pleco?
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Jack Dempsey Cichlid | Clown Pleco | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–86°F | 73–82°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 10" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 20 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Carnivore | Herbivore/Wood eater | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
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 →Clown Pleco
Panaqolus maccus
Clown plecos are beautiful, small plecos with striking orange and black striped patterns. At only 3.5 inches max size, they are perfect for 20-gallon and larger community tanks. Unlike many pleco species, they are primarily wood eaters rather than algae eaters — driftwood is an essential part of their setup. They are shy, nocturnal, and make excellent additions to planted tanks.
Full care guide →