Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
Cichlidae
About
The jewel cichlid is a strikingly beautiful West African substrate spawner whose deep-red body is dusted with rows of shimmering turquoise and blue spangles that blaze crimson when it breeds. Behind the beauty is a bold, powerful and famously aggressive fish that claims and fiercely defends a territory, digs the substrate, and will not tolerate tankmates once a pair forms and spawns. It is best kept as a single mated pair in a spacious tank with robust hardscape and only large, sturdy companions if any.
Care
House a bonded pair in 150 L or more with sand, rockwork and potted or very hardy plants, since it digs freely. Neutral, soft-to-medium water at 22-28 C. Highly aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding; choose tankmates with great care or keep it alone.
Diet
Carnivore-leaning omnivore; feed cichlid pellets, frozen and live meaty foods with some vegetable matter. Predatory toward small fish, which it will hunt and eat.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (91)
Avoid (30)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.