The Ultimate Guide to Jewel Cichlids (2025): Care, Behavior, and Tank Mates
Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) is one of the prettiest aquarium freshwater fish. With their bright red, blue, and green body, they are most sought after by aquarists. Nevertheless, due to its temperament, it requires special planning for the aquarium and handling.
This guide will have all you need to know about Jewel Cichlid care, from setting up the tank to diet, water conditions, and tank mates. If you’re going to keep these lovely fish, this guide is for you!
Jewel Cichlid Bio Table
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Hemichromis bimaculatus |
| Common Name | Jewel Cichlid |
| Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years |
| Origin | West Africa (rivers and streams) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 40 gallons for a pair |
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH Level | 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 4-18 dH |
| Temperament | Aggressive and territorial |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Breeding | Egg layer with strong parental care |
Jewel Cichlid Appearance
Jewel Cichlids are one of the most colorful freshwater fish. They have their body covered in iridescent spots that reflect light. Males are more colorful than females, particularly when they are breeding.
As they grow, their colors intensify, particularly when they are territorial or about to breed.
Social Behaviour
Jewel Cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive by nature. They do not make the best community tank fish unless you mate them with appropriate species. This is what you should know about their social behaviour:
Territorial: They define and protect their territory fiercely.
Prettiest in pairs: A mated pair will form and live harmoniously together.
Aggressive while spawning: They become very defensive of their fry and eggs.
Bossing small fish: They will attack and chase slow or weak fish.
Greet owners: They get to know their owners and will greet feeding time.
Ideal Tank Setup for Jewel Cichlids
Building a natural and peaceful environment is important in keeping Jewel Cichlids stress-free and happy.
1. Tank Size
For a pair, a minimum of 40 gallons is required. To keep them with other fish, opt for 75 gallons or more.
2. Water Parameters
Jewel Cichlids prefer the following water conditions:
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Level: 6.5-7.5
Water Hardness: 4-18 dH
Filtration: A high filter is needed to cope with their waste.
3. Substrate and Decorations
Sand or fine gravel should be used as the substrate.
Subtract rocks, caves, and driftwood as hiding places.
Add solid plants such as Anubias and Java Fern (soft plants can be pulled out).
Low light approximates their natural environment and cuts stress.
Top Tank Mates for Jewel Cichlids
Tank mates should be carefully selected. These are good and bad tank mates:
Good Tank Mates
Green Terror
Jack Dempsey
Convict Cichlid
Giant Danios
Redtail Shark
Scavenger Catfish
Bad Tank Mates
Guppies (too small and will be eaten)
Tetras (peaceful and too easily stressed)
Goldfish (requires different water requirements)
Angelfish (liable to fin nipping)
Betta Fish (slow-moving and easily attacked)
Diet and Feeding
Jewel Cichlids are omnivorous, i.e., they consume plant as well as animal-based food.
What to Feed?
High-quality cichlid pellets (main diet staple)
Live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms)
Vegetable matter (blanched spinach, zucchini)
Frozen foods (daphnia, krill)
How Often to Feed?
Juveniles: 2-3 times a day
Adults: Twice a day
Breeding pairs: Increased protein intake recommended
Do not overfeed to preserve good water quality.
Breeding Jewel Cichlids
Jewel Cichlids are great parents. They can be a joy to breed.
Breeding Setup
Employ a separate breeding tank (20-30 gallons)
Raise temperature to 79-82°F (26-28°C)
Offer flat rocks for egg-laying
Breeding Process
The female deposits eggs on a rock surface.
The male fertilizes them.
Both parents fiercely defend the eggs.
Fry hatch in 2-3 days and are free-swimming in a week.
Feed baby brine shrimp to fry for quicker growth.
Common Health Issues
We need to maintain the water germ-free to avoid diseases. Some of the usual ailments are given below:
Ich (White Spot Disease) – White spots on body; treatment with increased temperature and medicine.
Fin Rot – Fins become frayed; administer better water quality and inject antibacterial drug.
Swim Bladder Disease – Swimming becomes cumbersome; administer peas for digestion.
Conclusion
Jewel Cichlids are beautiful but feisty fish. They require good tank conditions, a well-balanced diet, and well-selected tank mates. If well cared for, Jewel Cichlids can live up to seven years and be the center of your aquarium.
Learn all about the beauty of Jewel Cichlids in 2025! Read how to care for them, their social behavior, tank mates, and breeding advice to establish a healthy aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Large do Jewel Cichlids Grow?
They reach 6 inches (15 cm) in tanks. Males are usually larger and more vibrant.
Does Jewel Cichlid Require a Heater?
Yes! They like temperatures from 72-82°F (22-28°C). A heater keeps the environment consistent.
Can I House Jultiple Jewel Cichlids in the Same Tank?
It is best to keep a mated pair or one fish. Several males will fight unless the tank is gigantic.
With this 2025 care guide, you’re now ready to create a stunning Jewel Cichlid aquarium!
