Species learning profile
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) is a freshwater fish associated with river habitat in Central America. Blue-green flecks brighten as adults mature.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau douce
- Habitat
- Rivière
- Longueur maximale
- 25 cm
- Répartition
- Central America
- Famille
- Cichlidae
- Ordre
- Cichliformes
Observe
How to identify Jack Dempsey
- Blue-green flecks brighten as adults mature.
- Guide context: river habitat in Central America.
- Reported maximum length: 25 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with river habitat across Central America. Flow, seasonal floods, connected side channels, and access to spawning reaches all shape its river habitat.
Behavior
Territorial, especially while breeding
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Crustaceans, insects, and small fish.
Ecological role
Controls smaller aquatic animals in warm wetlands.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Jack Dempsey peut atteindre environ 25 cm et vit souvent près de Rivière.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
River fish depend on connected water. Dams, blocked migrations, pollution, and altered flow can matter even when the channel still looks wet.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Jack Dempsey in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections