Our Guide To Keeping African Jewelfish Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hemichromis bimaculatus
   • Common name: African Jewelfish
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: West Africa, from Guinea to the Sanaga River in Cameroon
   • Adult length: Up to 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • African Jewelfish prefer a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 100L is recommended for a small school of these fish.
   • Provide ample hiding places and areas with dense vegetation to mimic their natural habitat. They appreciate plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and floating plants like Water Sprite.

3. Water Parameters:

   • African Jewelfish thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate water flow is suitable for these fish, so choose a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • African Jewelfish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Offer them a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple.
   • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to provide essential nutrients and mimic their natural diet.

6. Tank mates:

   • African Jewelfish are territorial and may be aggressive towards other fish, especially during breeding. Keep them with other robust and similarly sized cichlids in a larger tank to reduce aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • African Jewelfish are territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior, especially when breeding. It's important to provide plenty of hiding spots and territories within the tank to reduce aggression.
   • Avoid keeping them with small or peaceful fish species that may become targets of aggression.