A strikingly beautiful but notoriously aggressive West African riverine cichlid. Unlike the alkaline-loving Rift Lake cichlids (e.g., Mbuna), Jewel Cichlids prefer neutral, softer water parameters. They are renowned for their brilliant red breeding dress and iridescent blue spots, but also for their extreme territoriality, especially when forming pairs and spawning. They are avid diggers and will uproot most plants.
African Jewel Cichlid At a Glance
African Jewel Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will African Jewel Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what African Jewel Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test African Jewel Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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African Jewel Cichlid Water Parameters
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African Jewel Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
African Jewel Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard African Jewel Cichlid. Best kept as a solitary specimen in a community of similarly sized, robust fish, or as a single mated pair in a species-only tank. If a pair forms, they will violently defend their territory against all other tank mates.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Common Jewel
African Jewel Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The African Jewel Cichlid, scientifically known as Hemichromis bimaculatus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the African Jewel Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the African Jewel Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The African Jewel Cichlid is typically available in one standard form.
African Jewel Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the African Jewel Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
African Jewel Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the African Jewel Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
African Jewel Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for African Jewel Cichlid.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About African Jewel Cichlid
How big does African Jewel Cichlid get?
African Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does African Jewel Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for African Jewel Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does African Jewel Cichlid need?
African Jewel Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is African Jewel Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
African Jewel Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can African Jewel Cichlid live alone?
Yes, African Jewel Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does African Jewel Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. African Jewel Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit African Jewel Cichlid
These plants pair well with African Jewel Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to African Jewel Cichlid
Kenyi Cichlid
Maylandia lombardoi
The Kenyi Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: females and juveniles are pale blue with dark vertical bars, while mature males undergo a complete transformation to a vibrant golden-yellow. Due to their extreme territoriality, they must be kept in large, overstocked, rock-heavy tanks to disperse aggression, typically in a harem (one male to multiple females).
Electric Blue Johannii
Pseudotropheus johannii
An iconic Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi renowned for extreme sexual dimorphism. Males transform into a striking electric blue with dark navy horizontal stripes, while females and juveniles remain a vibrant yellow-orange. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require hard, alkaline water with extensive rockwork to form caves. They are avid diggers and will destroy most live plants.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Metriaclima callainos
A striking and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Known for its brilliant, solid cobalt blue coloration (though white morphs exist). Like most Mbuna, they are highly territorial, rock-grazing herbivores. They require an alkaline environment, a sandy substrate for digging, and extensive rockwork to establish territories. To manage aggression, they are best kept either in heavily populated, mixed all-male Mbuna tanks or in species harems (1 male to 3+ females).
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
Metriaclima estherae
A highly popular and vibrant Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The 'Cherry Red' or Orange morph is a favorite for African Cichlid setups. They are rock-dwelling (Mbuna), highly territorial, and require a diet rich in vegetable matter (algae/spirulina) to avoid Malawi Bloat. Best kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.