Red Jewel Cichlid

Red Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis Bimaculatus)

The Red Jewel Cichlid, also known as the African Jewelfish, is a vibrant and captivating species native to West Africa. These fish are known for their striking red coloration and fine, jewel-like blue spots. They also feature three distinct dark spots on their sides, adding to their unique appearance. Adult Red Jewel Cichlids can grow up to 6 inches long, making them medium-sized fish suitable for larger aquariums.

In terms of personality, Red Jewel Cichlids are known for their territorial and aggressive behavior, especially when breeding. This makes them unsuitable for typical community aquariums. However, in large aquariums, they can coexist with robust species like Congo Tetras, Convict Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid, and Synodontis Catfish. It's not recommended to house them with smaller, more peaceful species as they may become targets of the Red Jewel Cichlid's aggression. These fish are not schooling fish and are often kept alone or in pairs (ensure they are breeding pairs prior to purchasing). Please note that if the Red Jewel Cichlids begin breeding, they will need to remove any tankmates. This is why many aquarium enthusiasts opt to keep these captivating fish in a species-specific tank.

Red Jewel Cichlids are omnivorous and have a varied diet. In captivity, they can live on a diet of commercial frozen, live, flake, and pellet foods. They also enjoy algae wafers, cichlid, and shrimp pellets. While live foods such as brine shrimp will help to enhance their coloration, it's important to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.

Creating an ideal habitat for Jewel Cichlids involves mimicking their natural environment. They are found in rivers, streams, and canals, especially in forested regions where vegetation overhangs the water surface. Therefore, a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots is ideal. Use a substrate of fine sand or small, smooth gravel. They prefer spacious aquariums with plenty of hiding spots. These can be created using clay flowerpots, rockwork arranged to form caves, and pieces of driftwood. Flat rocks, such as slates, can be used to encourage breeding. Dense planting areas also provide additional cover. However, as these fish are known to dig, all plants should be strongly rooted or potted. Try hardy plants, such as Java Fern, Anacharis, or Anubias. Lighting should be moderate to highlight their vibrant colors.

As for water parameters, Red Jewel Cichlids require a minimum aquarium size of 40 gallons. For a community setup, a 60-gallon tank or larger is recommended. Tanks too small or with insufficient rocky spaces can greatly increase their stress and elevate aggression. They prefer slightly alkaline water, with a pH range of 6.0-8.0. The hardness should be within the range of 4-18 dGH. They thrive in warmer waters, with an ideal range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).