Can discus live with jack dempseys?

Verdict
No

No. Discus and jack dempseys should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful discus.

DiscusDiscus82–88°F · pH 5.5–7 Jack DempseyJack Dempsey72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 82–86°Discus 82–88°Jack Dempsey 72–86°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7Discus 5.5–7Jack Dempsey 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Discus · 6 inJack Dempsey · 10 in0"2"4"6"8"10"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

DiscusJack Dempsey
Temperature82–88 °F72–86 °F
pH5.5–76.5–7.5
Adult size6.0 in10.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal55 gal
TemperamentPeacefulAggressive
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 5+Alone or in pairs
DietCarnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for discus

All discus tank mates

Better tank mates for jack dempseys

All jack dempsey tank mates

Questions

Can discus live with jack dempseys?

No. Discus and jack dempseys should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful discus.

What temperature suits both discus and jack dempseys?

82–86 °F. Discus need 82–88 °F, jack dempseys need 72–86 °F.

What size tank do discus and jack dempseys need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the discus. Add space for each extra fish.