Jewel Cichlid
Common & Latin Name: Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili)
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 15cm
Temp: 22-28°C
PH: 6.5 - 7.5
Approximate purchase size: 15cm
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Community with caution
The Jewel Cichlids are a Dwarf species from Africa. They're a sturdy fish that can adapt to a very wide range of conditions, but with a preference towards pH being a little lower.
Habitat
They need a spacious aquarium with soft substrate such as sand. The aquarium should be furnished with rocks and bog wood for enrichment and to create hiding places and visual barriers. Plants are welcome as well as this cichlid isn't known for destroying them, but they are diggers, so co choose plants accordingly. Anubias and Java Ferns are a great choice as they can be attached to rocks and bog wood, rather than planting in the substrate.
Behaviour
These fish are peaceful for the most part and can cohabit with other medium to large community species. Tam mates can include larger tetras, barbs and rainbowfish. They can however become incredibly aggressive when they are breeding and even willing to fight fish substantially larger than themselves. As a result, it is recommended that they are either kept in a very large tank so that all your other livestock have an opportunity to be elsewhere. Alternatively a species only set-up is recommended. Smaller community fish should be avoided altogether as they may be seen as a potential meal and other dwarf cichlids such as Apistogrammas and Rams should also be avoided as they occupy the same sort of territory as the Jewels.
Feeding
Food can be offered in the form of cichlid pellets and fresh or frozen fish foods such as brine shrimp, mysis and bloodworm for a protein boost.
If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!
