Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor (CC BY-SA 3.0) — via Wikimedia Commons
Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
One of Africa's most intensely coloured cichlids — blazing red with turquoise-iridescent spots — but a serious scrapper that demands space and careful tank-mate selection.
Will it live with a Jewel Cichlid?
We compare each fish against your jewel cichlid on temperament, size, water parameters and swimming zone. Set your tank size and filter the results.
- Banjo Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 15 cm · Medium care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Bearded Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Medium care · 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–24 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Bearded Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bristlenose Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 23–30 °C (73–86 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 23–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Clown Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 9 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Corydoras Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6.5 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Corydoras Catfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Kuhli Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Kuhli Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Leopard Frog Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 9 cm · Medium care · 25–30 °C (77–86 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Marbled Hoplo✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 14 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Medusa Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 26–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Pantanal Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 8 cm · Medium care · 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Pantanal Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Peppered Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 7 cm · Easy care · 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Peppered Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Porthole Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Rubber Lip Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Easy care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Snowball Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 16 cm · Medium care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Spotfin Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6.5 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Spotfin Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotted Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 7 cm · Easy care · 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Spotted Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Spotted Rubbernose Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Spotted Talking Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 15 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Sterbai Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6.5 cm · Medium care · 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Sterbai Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Striped Eel Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 24–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Upside-down Catfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Aggressive + Peaceful, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Weather Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 25 cm · Easy care · 5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–24 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Zebra Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 10 cm · Hard care · 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 26–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Boesemani Rainbowfish⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 11 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Boesemani Rainbowfish at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keep Boesemani Rainbowfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Brilliant Rasbora⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 9 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid is aggressive and may chase or nip the smaller Brilliant Rasbora — plant heavily and break up sight lines.
- Jewel Cichlid may hunt Brilliant Rasbora, fry or shrimplets — safest in a heavily planted tank.
- Keep Brilliant Rasbora in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Burmese Loach⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 9 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid may hunt Burmese Loach, fry or shrimplets — safest in a heavily planted tank.
- Clown Rasbora⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Medium care · 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid is aggressive and may chase or nip the smaller Clown Rasbora — plant heavily and break up sight lines.
- Keep Clown Rasbora in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Denison Barb⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 15 cm · Medium care · 18–25 °C (64–77 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid is aggressive and may chase or nip the smaller Denison Barb — plant heavily and break up sight lines.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~200 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Denison Barb in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Betta⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Giant Betta at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Giant Danio⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Giant Danio at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keep Giant Danio in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Giant Glass Catfish⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 15 cm · Medium care · 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Giant Glass Catfish at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Keyhole Cichlid⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Keyhole Cichlid are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add keyhole cichlid in a group to spread the pressure.
- Mascara Barb⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Mascara Barb at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~200 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Mascara Barb in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Molly⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 10 cm · Easy care · 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Molly are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add molly in a group to spread the pressure.
- Moonlight Gourami⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 15 cm · Easy care · 25–30 °C (77–86 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Moonlight Gourami are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add moonlight gourami in a group to spread the pressure.
- Murray River Rainbowfish⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 11 cm · Easy care · 15–26 °C (59–79 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Murray River Rainbowfish are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add murray river rainbowfish in a group to spread the pressure.
- Keep Murray River Rainbowfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Pearl Gourami⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 12 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Pearl Gourami are close in size, but the aggressive one tends to dominate — add pearl gourami in a group to spread the pressure.
- Silver Tetra⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 9 cm · Easy care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Expect Jewel Cichlid to harass Silver Tetra at times; give dense cover and watch them at feeding.
- Silver Tetra is small enough to tempt Jewel Cichlid; only risk it in a densely planted setup with hiding spots.
- Keep Silver Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Thick-lipped Gourami⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 9 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid is aggressive and may chase or nip the smaller Thick-lipped Gourami — plant heavily and break up sight lines.
- Jewel Cichlid may hunt Thick-lipped Gourami, fry or shrimplets — safest in a heavily planted tank.
- Alligator Gar⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 250 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Alligator Gar are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Size gap is too large (250 vs 15 cm): Alligator Gar will treat Jewel Cichlid as food.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~3785 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Clown Knifefish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 90 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Two assertive fish, one genuinely aggressive: Jewel Cichlid and Clown Knifefish will hold territory and clash.
- Clown Knifefish (90 cm) is big enough to swallow the 15 cm Jewel Cichlid whole.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~750 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Fire Eel⛔ Not recommendedSemi-aggressive · 100 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Two assertive fish, one genuinely aggressive: Jewel Cichlid and Fire Eel will hold territory and clash.
- Size gap is too large (100 vs 15 cm): Fire Eel will treat Jewel Cichlid as food.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~380 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Koi⛔ Not recommendedPeaceful · 90 cm · Medium care · 4–28 °C (39–82 °F)
- Koi (90 cm) is big enough to swallow the 15 cm Jewel Cichlid whole.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~3800 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Mekong Giant Catfish⛔ Not recommendedSemi-aggressive · 300 cm · Hard care · 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Mekong Giant Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~100000 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Redtail Catfish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 120 cm · Hard care · 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Redtail Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Size gap is too large (120 vs 15 cm): Redtail Catfish will treat Jewel Cichlid as food.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~5700 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Spotted Gar⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 90 cm · Hard care · 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Spotted Gar are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Spotted Gar (90 cm) is big enough to swallow the 15 cm Jewel Cichlid whole.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~600 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Wels Catfish⛔ Not recommendedAggressive · 300 cm · Hard care · 15–25 °C (59–77 °F)
- Jewel Cichlid and Wels Catfish are both territorial and at least one is outright aggressive — expect serious fighting.
- Jewel Cichlid is bite-sized to a 300 cm predatory wels catfish — it will be eaten.
- Your 150 L tank is below the ~20000 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
Compatibility is computed from each species' care data — a strong starting point, not a guarantee. Individual temperament varies, so always introduce new fish slowly and watch them.
Jewel Cichlid care specs
- Care level
- Medium
- Breeding
- Easy
- Max size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Min tank size
- 150 L (39.6 gal)
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Swim level
- Middle
- Group size
- 2+ (shoaling)
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- West Africa — coastal rivers from Guinea east to Nigeria
What is a Jewel Cichlid?
The Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) is a medium-sized West African cichlid widely regarded as one of the most visually striking freshwater fish in the hobby. Its base colour is rich crimson to blood-red, overlaid with rows of shimmering turquoise-blue spots that intensify dramatically during breeding — few freshwater species rival its colouration for sheer impact. Adults reach around 15 cm (6 in).
Despite the name “jewel,” this species earns equal recognition for its temperament. It is genuinely aggressive, particularly during spawning, and a breeding pair will relentlessly harass or kill fish they barely noticed as juveniles. Keepers who respect its territorial nature are rewarded with a hardy, long-lived fish — 5–8 years is achievable — displaying complex behaviour and parental devotion rare in the freshwater hobby.
Where do Jewel Cichlids come from?
Wild Jewel Cichlids range across coastal West Africa, from Guinea through Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana east to Nigeria. They inhabit shallow, slow-to-moderately-flowing rivers, streams, ponds, and lake margins — warm, soft-to-moderately-hard, slightly acidic to neutral water with dense vegetation, sandy or muddy substrate, and leaf litter. This matches their care parameters: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), pH 6.5–7.5, and 4–18 dGH.
The vast majority of fish in the trade are captive-bred, making them more adaptable to typical tap water than wild-caught stock — which accounts for much of the species’ enduring popularity.
What size tank does a Jewel Cichlid need?
The minimum for a single pair of Jewel Cichlids is 150 L (40 gal), and bigger is strongly preferred if you intend to keep anything else in the tank at all. A pair in breeding condition will claim and defend a large proportion of any tank they inhabit, so the absolute minimum gives them just enough territory to coexist without constant conflict.
Choose a tank with a long footprint rather than a tall one — Jewel Cichlids are middle-column swimmers that benefit from horizontal space. Provide smooth flat rocks (potential spawning sites), sturdy root wood, and large-leaved robust plants such as Anubias or Vallisneria. Avoid delicate fine-leaved plants; the fish will uproot them when preparing to spawn. A canister filter or sump that keeps nitrate reliably low is essential — their carnivorous diet produces considerable waste.
What water parameters do Jewel Cichlids need?
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). A reliable heater is essential; avoid sharp temperature swings.
- pH: 6.5–7.5. Most dechlorinated tap water in this range is suitable.
- Hardness: 4–18 dGH — a genuinely wide tolerance that accommodates most municipal water supplies.
Stability is the priority. Weekly water changes of 25–30 % matter far more than chasing precise numbers within those ranges. Ammonia and nitrite should always read zero; keep nitrate below 20 ppm where possible. The species tolerates a wide chemistry range but will not tolerate neglect.
What do Jewel Cichlids eat?
Jewel Cichlids are carnivores in the wild, feeding primarily on invertebrates, small fish, and insect larvae. In the aquarium they accept a wide range of foods readily:
- Staple: high-protein cichlid pellets or sticks sized appropriately for a 15 cm (6 in) fish.
- Variety: frozen or live bloodworms, earthworms, and river shrimp add enrichment and keep condition sharp.
- Supplement: occasional frozen mysis or similar meaty items.
Feed once or twice daily in amounts consumed within two to three minutes. Overfeeding a carnivore quickly degrades water quality. Avoid feeder fish unless you can verify they are disease-free — they are rarely necessary for a healthy, well-fed pair.
Are Jewel Cichlids aggressive — and what fish can live with them?
Jewel Cichlids are rated aggressive, and that rating is a central fact of husbandry, not a caution to be managed around. A mated pair in breeding condition will attack and in many cases kill virtually any tank-mate they can reach. Juveniles are more manageable, and pairs can sometimes be housed with similarly robust West African cichlids (such as Pelvicachromis species) in a large, heavily decorated tank — but this remains risky and requires close monitoring.
The safest approach for most keepers is a dedicated species tank for the pair once they begin pairing off, allowing them to display their full behavioural repertoire without constant conflict.
For a detailed breakdown of which species can work alongside Jewel Cichlids and which to avoid, see Jewel Cichlid tank mates.
How do you tell male from female Jewel Cichlids?
Sexing Jewel Cichlids is difficult outside breeding condition, particularly with juveniles. As fish mature, a few reliable differences emerge:
- Size: Males are generally larger, often noticeably so by adulthood.
- Colour: Males tend toward more intense base colouration at rest; both sexes flush near-equally when in breeding condition.
- Body shape: Females develop a rounder belly as they come into condition and carry eggs.
- Fin shape: Males may show slightly more pointed dorsal and anal fins — a subtle, variable indicator.
When selecting a pair, grow on six or more juveniles and allow natural pairing — forcing unacquainted adults together often results in injury or death of the subordinate fish.
How do Jewel Cichlids breed?
Jewel Cichlids are among the easier cichlids to breed once a compatible pair has formed — reflected in their Easy breeding difficulty rating. Spawning is typically triggered by a water change with slightly warmer water and an increase in live or frozen food.
The pair select and clean a flat spawning site — a smooth rock, a broad leaf, or bare glass. The female deposits 200–500 adhesive eggs in neat rows; the male follows to fertilise; both parents guard the clutch fiercely. Eggs hatch in 48–72 hours at typical temperatures; parents move the larvae to shallow substrate pits, and fry become free-swimming roughly a week after hatching.
Both parents actively herd and protect the fry — one of the most impressive behaviours the species offers. Feed fry on freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and powdered fry food, transitioning to larger foods as they grow. Separate the fry once the parents show renewed aggression, typically as the next spawning approaches.
What diseases are common in Jewel Cichlids?
Jewel Cichlids are robust fish, but the same diseases that affect all freshwater cichlids can appear when water quality slips:
- Ich (white spot): Small white grains across body and fins; almost always triggered by cold, stress, or infected new stock. Quarantine all new arrivals before adding to the display tank.
- Hole-in-the-head (HITH): Pitting around the head and lateral line; linked to poor water quality and low-grade stress. Address water conditions and diet first.
- Bacterial infections / fin damage: Common after fights. Keep sharp decor minimal and resolve social conflicts promptly.
- Bloat / internal parasites: A rounded or lopsided abdomen and stringy white faeces warrant investigation. Source fish from reputable suppliers and quarantine new arrivals.
The single most effective prevention is consistent water maintenance: weekly partial changes, prompt removal of uneaten food, and a functioning biological filter. Quarantine new fish for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main tank.
Health note: medication dosing and disease diagnosis are beyond the scope of a care profile. For sick fish, confirm symptoms against a reputable veterinary or fish-health source before medicating.
How long do Jewel Cichlids live?
A well-maintained Jewel Cichlid lives 5–8 years, placing it firmly in the longer-lived bracket of commonly kept freshwater fish. Reaching the upper end requires consistent water quality, a varied diet, and careful management of their social situation — chronic stress from incompatible tank-mates or neglected water shortens lifespans considerably.
Pairs kept in a stable, appropriately sized tank routinely reach six or more years and produce multiple successful spawns. The combination of longevity, spectacular colour, and complex parental behaviour makes the Jewel Cichlid a genuinely rewarding long-term commitment for keepers prepared to meet its demands.
Frequently asked questions
Can Jewel Cichlids live with other fish?
With caution. Juveniles can be kept in a species tank or with similarly robust, fast West African cichlids, but breeding pairs are extremely territorial and will attack and kill most tank-mates. A mated pair is best kept alone in a dedicated tank of at least 150 L.
How do Jewel Cichlids breed?
Pairs bond relatively easily and spawn on flat rocks or large leaves, laying up to 500 eggs. Both parents guard eggs and fry with fierce dedication — that same aggression that makes them difficult tank-mates makes them outstanding parents. Fry are usually free-swimming within a week of hatching.
What you need to keep a jewel cichlid
The baseline is a heated, filtered 150 L+ tank: a reliable heater to hold 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), a gentle filter that won't batter a jewel cichlid in the current, and a tight-fitting lid. Cycle the tank fully before adding any fish.
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