(Please note that the fish shown in the photo is only a representative of what an adult specimen would look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex of the fish you receive.)
Scientific Name: Hemichromis bimaculatus
Common Name: Jewelfish, Jewelfish Cichlid, Ruby Cichlid, African Jewelfish, Two-Spotted Jewelfish, Blue Jewel, Green Jewel
Adult Size: 4 - 5 inches
Life Expectancy: 5+ years
Habitat: West and Central Africa
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Ideal Tank Conditions:
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Temperature Range: 70 - 74°F
- pH Range: 7.0 - 7.5
- Water Hardness: 4 - 18
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet & Nutrition: Live foods are preferred. Frozen foods are accepted and should be given at least once per week; good high-quality flake food is also accepted.
Breeding & Spawning: The female will lay the eggs on a flat surface. After 2 to 4 days, the eggs hatch and the parents will move them to another location for another couple of days until the babies are swimming. Jewel Cichlids are attentive parents. Fry foods include finely crushed flake foods, baby brine shrimp or other readily available fry foods.
Gender: Difficult to determine, but males may become even more brilliantly colored when breeding.
Compatible Tank Mates: See Compatibility Chart