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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Jack Dempsey live with Tiger Barb?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Jack Dempsey + Tiger Barb: Jack Dempsey may eat Tiger Barb. Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Tiger Barb (7cm) 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
Jack DempseyTiger BarbShared window
pH
Range6.57.5 shared
Jack DempseyTiger BarbShared window
Size / predation

Jack Dempsey (25cm adult) may treat small Tiger Barb (~7cm) as food once grown — plan adult sizes, not shop sizes.

Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (aggressive vs semi-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 Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.

  2. Jack Dempsey may eat Tiger Barb

    Top issue

    Jack Dempsey (25cm) is predatory and Tiger Barb (7cm) 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 Tiger Barb (7cm) is…

Jack Dempsey may eat Tiger Barb

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Tiger Barb can escape if harassed.
  • Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Tiger Barb can escape if harassed.
  • Tiger Barb should be kept in a group of at least 8 for best health and behaviour.
  • 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.
  • Seriously Fish. Rocio octofasciata

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Rocio octofasciata

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Rocio octofasciata

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

  • Seriously Fish. Puntigrus tetrazona

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Puntigrus tetrazona

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Puntigrus tetrazona

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Jack Dempsey + Tiger Barb

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.