Blood-red jewel cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

This one is genuinely aggressive, especially when breeding, so plan around that. A pair needs a tank of around 75 liters or more with caves and broken sightlines; many keepers go species-only or pick robust tankmates with care. Keep the water in the mid 20s C with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral. Feed quality pellets, frozen foods, and some plant matter.

In the wild

Blood-red jewel cichlids come from shallow, slow waters of rivers, lakes, and swamps in the Congo basin of Central Africa. They stick to spots with plants and rockwork that give them cover and territory edges. At home they want a warm tank with caves, flat stones, and clear boundaries between hiding places.

Good to know

This is a cichlid in the family Cichlidae, reaching about 10 cm, known for its deep red body flecked with iridescent blue-green spots. It looks similar to other Hemichromis jewels and is told apart by color intensity and spot pattern. Pairs are monogamous substrate spawners. Conservation status is Least Concern.

Did you know

When a pair spawns, both fish darken to an even deeper red and turn fiercely protective, driving off anything that comes near the eggs or fry. The brighter the color, the more worked up they are, so intense red is your cue to expect attitude.

Related species

• 

  Jewel cichlid

  Hemichromis bimaculatus

  5.9 in (15 cm)30 gal (115 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)

• 

  Banded jewel cichlid

  Hemichromis elongatus

  6.3 in (16 cm)53 gal (200 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Afra cichlid

  Cynotilapia afra

  3.9 in (10 cm)29 gal (110 L)77–84°F (25–29°C)

• 

  Blue johanni cichlid

  Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos

  3.9 in (10 cm)45 gal (170 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Dwarf Mbuna

  Pseudotropheus demasoni

  3.9 in (10 cm)53 gal (200 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Red zebra cichlid

  Metriaclima estherae

  3.9 in (10 cm)45 gal (170 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)