By KimmyM
 
Species/genus: Hemichromis bimaculatus
 
Origin:   Africa
 
Temp:  72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C)
 
pH: and dH:-   Not really important
 
Temperament:   Very Agressive
 
Adult Size:   4 to 6 inches    ( 10 to 15 cm)

 
Minimum Tank Size:   20 Gallons
 
Feeding:   Easy to feed, accepts all aquarium foods. Flakes, Pellets, Beef Heart, Ghost Shrimp, feeder guppies and blood worms
 
Breeding:   Excellent parents, they guard their fry with fierce determination, don't put your hand in the tank when they are guarding fry.
 
Comments:

The Jewel Cichlid is a relatively aggressive fish, and should only be kept with other species of fish with about the same level of aggressiveness, such as the convict cichlid. For breeding, Jewel Cichlids should be given a minimum 20 gallon tank for a pair. When breeding select a few cichlids, about 6, and place them into the same tank and wait until 2 pair and take the rest of the Jewel's out, and accommodate them else where. In the 20 gallon (or larger) tank there should be a flat rock in there so the pair can spawn successfully. When sexually mature, a pair of Jewel Cichlids will turn red, be careful when breeding though, if the female is not ready to spawn then the male will attack her. The Jewel Cichlid is an all round good fish for beginners as it is pretty forgiving if you make any mistakes as a beginner.