Can jack dempseys live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Jack dempseys and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Jack dempseys are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

Jack Dempsey72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Chinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Watch outJack dempseys are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What works

Both are fine at 74–80°F.
pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
They use different parts of the tank: jack dempseys the mid, chinese algae eaters the bottom.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Jack Dempsey	Chinese algae eater
Temperature	72–86 °F	74–80 °F
pH	6.5–7.5	6–8
Adult size	10.0 in	10.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	75 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Bottom
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Carnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for jack dempseys

CrayfishYes

All jack dempsey tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can jack dempseys live with chinese algae eaters?

Yes, with care. Jack dempseys and chinese algae eaters can share a tank, but watch one thing. Jack dempseys are aggressive. Chinese algae eaters hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What temperature suits both jack dempseys and chinese algae eaters?

74–80 °F. Jack dempseys need 72–86 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do jack dempseys and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.