Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Blood Red Jewel Cichlid, or simply Red Jewel for short, are endemic to slow-moving creeks and tributaries of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The majority of specimens available within the aquarium trade are produced on a commercial basis, however. Both sexes of this species exhibit a rich red coloration with bright metallic blue flecking across the entire body and fins; males can be slightly more colorful during spawning. The Blood Red Jewel should not to be mistaken for the Turkana or Red Dwarf Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) which is even more red in color with fewer flecks of blue, in addition to growing to a smaller adult size of 4″ or less in length. Furthermore, the Blood Red Jewel can be distinguished from drab individuals of Turquoise Jewels (Hemichromis bimiculatus) based on the number of black spots on the body; a Red Jewel will have two black spots on their flank, while the Turquoise Jewel will have three due to the additional black spot on the caudal peduncle. A Red jewel can grow to an adult size of approximately 6″.
Diet Requirements: An omnivorous cichlid, Red jewels will accept a wide range of prepared aquarium diets such as flakes and pellets specifically designed for cichlids. A slowly sinking pellet or granule can work best for these mid to bottom dwellers. For variety they will also feed on frozen foods such as brine shrimp with Spirulina, mysis shrimp and other blends for freshwater omnivores.
Care Requirements: A minimum tank size of 55 gallons would be suggested for a pair of these cichlids. A relatively peaceful African cichlid, Red jewels are well suited for the semi-aggressive community aquarium and with moderately sized active fish. This species absolutely requires a well-oxygenated aquarium. Although they can be social with each other while young, a breeding pair of adults can become territorial and aggressive towards tank mates. Providing additional space can help mitigate this. They can be kept with well established, hardy, aquarium plants with caution as they may do some digging (especially if spawning) and nip at more fragile plant leaves. Recommended water conditions are slightly alkaline for best coloration, 75-79° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.5-8.5.
Purchase Size: Large: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
