Electric blue jack dempsey

Rocksor

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Nov 28, 2011
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pretty good genetics on that one to get past 4". I've seen many locally that look real well when smaller, but some flip switches and as they grow older, they look more deformed, no matter how many water changes are done or low the aggression of the co-habitants are.
 
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Toby_H

Polypterus
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Jun 21, 2007
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I havent kept Blue Dempseys in 10 years. So I'm not sure if they've gotten worse since then.

So even a known weak breed, if well cared for can have a wonderful life.
Something we should remember with all our fish purchases...

A fish that produces 400 offspring per brood, throws a ton of genetic diversity across the group. This is an evolutionary trait that helps them adapt to a changing environment. Not all offspring are ment to survive.

In aquaria, we keep most of them alive anyway. So, we shouldn't expect every fish in the broad to be prime stock.

Thats why its best to get a group, then keep the best of that group. The larger the group, the higher your chances of getting prime stock.

In my experience, prime Blue Dempseys will gain full size, be tough/aggressive, maintain health and be beautiful. But, this may only be the top 1%, where other species may see those qualities in the top 40%.

So my solution was, starting with as large of a group as possible and/or getting groups from multiple breeders.

Blue Dempseys aren't for the faint of heart. Be prepared to buy a bunch, cull most of them and start over if your first group doesn't pan out.
 

Niki_up

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I purchased 3 or 4 of these guys a long time ago and I managed to grow all of them past the 3 inch mark. Granted I had to treat for internal parasites at least 3 times, even without adding new stock to their tank.

I ended up selling the ones I wasn’t interested in keeping and the one I did keep ended up growing to 9 inches in two years. I’m positive he would have still been alive if it were not for his freak accident that killed him.
D3918ADD-DD7C-4C94-B104-2F4C48E7076F.jpegA66F2D0A-395D-457D-81EA-D9E123C43817.jpeg
 

Orthopod

Dovii
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Feb 22, 2010
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Definitely slow growers that are less genetically fit - usually if they make it past the 3.5 inch mark no issues from there on.

I find many of electric blue jacks have a jaw deformity as well. I have a coupleI raised up and it is very noticeable.
 

Abhi94

Feeder Fish
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Jan 5, 2023
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I purchased 3 or 4 of these guys a long time ago and I managed to grow all of them past the 3 inch mark. Granted I had to treat for internal parasites at least 3 times, even without adding new stock to their tank.

I ended up selling the ones I wasn’t interested in keeping and the one I did keep ended up growing to 9 inches in two years. I’m positive he would have still been alive if it were not for his freak accident that killed him.
View attachment 1470249View attachment 1470250
Is there a video on how to treat for parasites?
 

Niki_up

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Actually no parasitic attack currently but I want to gain some knowledge about the treatment methods
I use to use a goat dewormer for my treatments. it was 1mil per 10g of watet. not sure you will find videos on it
 

Theos.dad

Piranha
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Jul 30, 2021
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Is there a video on how to treat for parasites?
For parasites i try to always have levamisole (usually from Gary at select aquatic or fritz expel p) and fritz para cleanse )contains metro and prazi). These two treat a wide variety of parasites

I've started using the med trio aquarium co-op recommends for any new fosh I want to add to any of our established tanks. Better safe than sorry. It's a real PIA to treat multiple fish in large tanks. Always quarantine
 
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