Can jack dempseys live with severums?

Verdict

Yes, with care

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

Jack Dempsey72–86°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Severum74–84°F · pH 6–7

What to watch

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

What works

Both are fine at 74–84°F.
pH 6.5–7 suits both.

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	Severum
Temperature	72–86 °F	74–84 °F
pH	6.5–7.5	6–7
Adult size	10.0 in	8.0 in
Minimum tank	55 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Carnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for jack dempseys

CrayfishYes

All jack dempsey tank mates

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Questions

Can jack dempseys live with severums?

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

What temperature suits both jack dempseys and severums?

74–84 °F. Jack dempseys need 72–86 °F, severums need 74–84 °F.

What size tank do jack dempseys and severums need together?

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