Overview
- The African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus), also sold as the jewel cichlid, is a colorful West African cichlid that turns brilliant red when breeding.
- Found in small streams and canals along Africa’s west coast, from southern Guinea to central Liberia.
- Grows to about 6 in (15 cm) standard length.
- Often sold as a community fish, but it is territorial and not a good choice for beginners or general community tanks.
Feeding
- Eats nearly anything offered, including flakes, pellets and frozen foods.
- Live foods help bring out its best color.
- Add vegetable matter such as spirulina flake or blanched spinach.
Habitat
- Provide plenty of hiding places: clay pots, rock caves, driftwood and dense planting.
- It digs, so use sturdy, well-rooted or potted plants.
- Water: 72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 6.0–7.8, GH 4–18.
Fish Care
- A tank of at least 48 × 12 in (120 × 30 cm) base, about 29 gallons (108 liters), is the minimum for a pair.
- Hiding places help spread out aggression and give weaker fish somewhere to retreat.
Compatibility
- Best kept as a pair in a species tank.
- In a large tank it can live with robust fish such as Congo tetras, Synodontis catfish, plecos and other sturdy African cichlids like Steatocranus.
Aquarium Behavior
- Territorial, and very aggressive when spawning.
- Buying an adult “pair” often ends with the weaker fish killed, so let a pair form from a group of young fish.
Breeding
- Relatively easy. A substrate spawner that lays eggs on flat rocks.
- Start with 5–6 juveniles and let them pair up naturally, which can take time.
- Use a species tank of around 48 in (120 cm) with large flat rocks as spawning sites, and condition the fish on a varied diet.
- Both parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively.