Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) Care Guide
A strikingly colorful West African cichlid that turns brilliant red with iridescent blue spots during breeding. Highly territorial, especially when guarding eggs and fry.
Overview
Hemichromis bimaculatus is a species in the family Cichlidae. A strikingly colorful West African cichlid that turns brilliant red with iridescent blue spots during breeding. Highly territorial, especially when guarding eggs and fry. Best kept as a pair in a species-specific tank or with robust tank mates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Hemichromis
- Scientific name: Hemichromis bimaculatus
- Origin: Africa, West Africa
Habitat
Native to West African rivers from Guinea to Liberia. Inhabits slow streams, swamps and stagnant pools with dense vegetation. Pairs become highly territorial during spawning and may defend a substantial portion of the tank.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-15 cm
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: aggressive
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Bristlenose Pleco, Synodontis, Robust Barbs
- Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Peaceful Community Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
- Breeding difficulty: beginner