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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Apistogramma Trifasciata live with Jack Dempsey?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Apistogramma Trifasciata + Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey may eat Apistogramma Trifasciata. Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Apistogramma Trifasciata (6cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

200L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 200L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2227°C shared
Apistogramma TrifasciataJack DempseyShared window
pH
Range6.57.2 shared
Apistogramma TrifasciataJack DempseyShared window
Size / predation

Jack Dempsey (25cm adult) may treat small Apistogramma Trifasciata (~6cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs aggressive) — can work with space, structure, and careful observation, but not a “drop and forget” mix.

Assessment details

  1. Temperament difference

    Jack Dempsey is aggressive, while Apistogramma Trifasciata is semi-aggressive. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.

  2. Jack Dempsey may eat Apistogramma Trifasciata

    Top issue

    Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Apistogramma Trifasciata (6cm) is small enough to be eaten. This pairing is unsafe.

  3. Compatible temperature range

    Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.

Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Apistogramma Trifasciata…

Jack Dempsey may eat Apistogramma Trifasciata

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Apistogramma Trifasciata can escape if harassed.

Try instead

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Apistogramma Trifasciata can escape if harassed.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Apistogramma Trifasciata + Jack Dempsey

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.