Publication2 med aquascape Publication1cs complete | Page 149

A "Blue Dempsey" strain was developed in the 1990's, to much contro- versy that questioned if the fish was a natural occurring mutation or simply a manmade hybrid. Similarities and colour has been linked to He- richthys carpintis, but this is just speculation as the detail of the fish’s development is secret. A natural occurring hybrid is ruled out by many experts, as the fact that nothing as ever come close to seeing such a blue form dempsey in the wild. Natural occurring mutations exist, but nothing on the scale as a Blue Dempsey. A gold colour morph Rocio octofasciata was developed in Florida in 1997 and has been commercially available since. However in my opin- ion, nothing ever comes close to the natural looking form "Jack Demp- sey". Rocio octofasciata have different regional variations across different riv- er systems. R. gemmata and R. ocotal are possibly two new species to add to the complex, but as of now, their status is classed as uncertain as they are more likely junior synonyms. Recent trips in search of R. gem- mate at the type locality have failed as all catches turned out to be Rocio octofasciata. Jack Dempsey, Male 37