Our Guide To Keeping Turkana Jewel Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hemichromis exsul
   • Common name: Turkana Jewel Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Lake Turkana in Africa
   • Adult length: 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Turkana Jewel Cichlids prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots and rocky caves to mimic their natural habitat.
   • Provide a sandy substrate and incorporate rocks and driftwood to create territories and breeding sites.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain water conditions with a pH of 7.0 to 8.5 and a water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
   • Ensure good water quality by performing regular water changes and using a quality filtration system.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Aim for efficient filtration to maintain water quality, but avoid strong currents as Turkana Jewel Cichlids prefer calmer waters.

5. Diet:

   • Offer a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
   • Supplement their diet with vegetable matter such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables.

6. Tank mates:

   • Choose tank mates carefully as Turkana Jewel Cichlids can be aggressive, especially during breeding.
   • Consider larger, robust fish species from similar habitats, but avoid keeping them with smaller or more passive fish.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Turkana Jewel Cichlids exhibit territorial and aggressive behavior, especially when breeding or defending their territory.
   • Provide adequate hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce aggression among tank mates.