Scientific name: Hemichromis bimaculatus Common name: Jewel cichlid Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 13 cm (3.94 - 5.12 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.8 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: Africa Temperament to its own species: peaceful Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller Usual place in the tank: Middle levels Food and feeding Although Jewel cichlid will eat flakes or pellets, it should be provided with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and blood worm. Origin Jewel cichlids are found on the African continent where they live in the rivers with muddy substrates. Sexing Hemichromis bimaculatus can be difficult to sex but in spawning mode, the male will display more coloration. Breeding Like most cichlids, the jewel will lay their eggs on a flat surface, raising the temperature slightly may induce the spawning. The eggs should hatch after 2-4 days and the parents will move them around the tank until they are free swimming. The fry should be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake. Lifespan Expected lifespan is 5 years. Short description Jewel cichlids can be very aggressive, especially when they are breeding, because of this it may be best to keep them in a species tank. A single pair should be kept in at least a 30 gallon tank. Pictures Thanks to Jeff Catalina for allowing us to use the picture. The second picture came from another souce (see the picture for more details). Other pictures were bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Also Jonathon Whipple sent us some pictures.
