Jewel Cichlid
Alternative Name(s):
Scientific Name(s): Hemichromis bimaculatus
Category: Cichlid
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 15cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 120 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 48" x 12" x 12"
Water Temperature Range: 22-28°C
Water pH Range: 6.0-7.6
Water Hardness Range: 5-15 dGH
General Information: The Jewel Cichlid is a small to medium cichlid from West African rivers with a medium aggressive attitude mainly directed towards its own kind. Lifespan is around 8 to 10 years and colours can vary from bright reds to shimmering blues with iridescent blue spots throughout.
Tank Requirements: 48" tank is needed to grow on a group of six until a pairing is made, when all but the pair should be removed. Plenty of hiding places should be provided as well as floating plants for cover with good filtration and moderate to fast flowing water.
Diet Requirements: Omnivore accepting most available commercial fish foods, relishes live or frozen blood worms, shrimp etc and should be given regular vegetable matter.
Compatibility: Can be kept in a community with Synos, Congo Tetras and Loraciids in a suitably large tank, but be aware that aggression increases when spawning, when other occupants should be removed. Does best in pairs, though forced pairings rarely work: allowing a pair to form from a group of youngsters is the best way.
Recommendations:
Common Problems: Fin nipping and hyper aggression in a minority of specimens usually as a result of being kept with aggressive cichlids.
Similar Species:
Sexing: Difficult. Males have reticulated patterning in caudal fins and a pointed dorsal.
Breeding: Breeds relatively easily. A flat smooth piece of slate should be provided for spawning. Once fry hatch the parents will move them to pre-dug pits nearby. Remove fry after 1 month.
Author(s): gwa84, Fishlady | Photo: | Views: 13621
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