Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Turkana Jewel Cichlid, or Lake Turkana Jewel, is a relatively new Jewel cichlid variety in the hobby, only recently being redescribed and exported from their native lake Turkana (formerly lake Rudolf) in Kenya. This lake is part of the African rift system and is the largest alkaline lake in the world. They exhibit a brilliant ruby red to peach coloration with minimal bright metallic blue flecking in the face and fins. The fins also exhibit a dark black rim that can intensify depending on mood and lighting conditions. One of the smallest Jewels, adults can reach 3.5 to 4 inches in length.
Diet Requirements: An omnivorous cichlid, Turkana 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 20 gallons would be suggested for a juvenile pair of these cichlids. More mature specimens will require a larger aquarium. One of the most peaceful Jewels they are well suited for the semi-aggressive community aquarium and with moderately sized active peaceful fish. 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: Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 2″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-3/4″ to 4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
