Jack Dempsey

[CdnRednek]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if it's normal for a Jack Dempsey to change colour.  Mine was a very dark grey and now he has lightened up considerably.  I don't know if this is relevant but we figure he's a juvenile because he is quite small and very mellow especially for a Jack.

[Woody]

I keep and have kept various Archocentrus species and have found when stressed or scared, or when breeding, but you state it's still pretty small, that they are darker in colouration.
As long as it is swimming, not hugging a corner, and it is eating, I would not be concerned.

Woody

[s0me]

I have a pair in my new 55 gallon and since day one they have been changing colour. They go much darker when breeding, and lighten up when they are not.

[CdnRednek]

Thanks for the input.  Jack's my fave in the tank and I'd hate for something to happen to him.

[BigDaddy]

Those are fish that are going to get way too big for that 20 gallon.  You are going to have overstocking problems very, very quickly.

If you really love Jack, you'll probably want to get him a bigger tank fairly soon.

[s0me]

Indeed, I had three in a 75 gallon when they were young. I have put the two mates in a 55 gallon and they have since grown quickly.

They are very adaptive to their environment and will grow as their space increases.

Somewhat similar to (not related) Windows and it's love for RAM.

The more you feed it, the more it will consume.

[Mettle]

Is there gold jacks? Or are they gold when young? I saw some at a Pet Smart the other day and wasn't sure... I've only ever seen the darkly coloured ones before.

Reason I'm asking is because I want to add something to the tank with my green terror and since my oscar didn't fare well I need something with more umph to it.

[CdnRednek]

Apparently there are gold Jacks but they tend to be pricey as the gold is a new colour morph.
Did you try a convict with your green terror?  I ask because my convict certainly has plenty of umph to it....lol.
Something I have learned though is that as much as fish personalities are classified by their breed (can you use breed when speaking about fish?), they really do seem to each have their own personalities.

[Mettle]

A large male con beat up my gt when I tried it. be careful with that.

[CdnRednek]

Yea, I know what you are saying.  My con is definitely the bully of our tank....or at least he tries to be.