Can Rummy Nose Tetra Live With Jack Dempsey Cichlid?
Jack Dempsey Cichlid is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Rummy Nose Tetra | Jack Dempsey Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–84°F | 72–86°F | 75–84°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7 | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 2.5" | 10" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Rummy nose tetras are considered the ultimate schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. Their tight, synchronized formations are unmatched by any other tetra species. The vivid red nose serves as a health indicator — bright red means healthy, pale red means stressed. They prefer soft, acidic water and are slightly more demanding than 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 →