Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10 cm
- Minimum tank
- 70 litres
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Species profile
Jewel Cichlid
Rubricatochromis bimaculatus
Common names: Jewel Cichlid, African Jewelfish, Jewel Fish
Recognized speciesAfrican Cichlids
Adult size
Up to 15 cm
Up to 15 cm
Countries of origin
Good fit for your tank?
Good fit for
- A keeper who has researched this fish and can match its needs
Think carefully if
- You keep shrimp you want to protect
A fiery red West African cichlid, often sold as a community fish, which it is not. Keep alone or in a small group in 108 litres or more.
Appearance and Identification
A fiery red West African cichlid, often sold as a community fish, which it is not. It is very territorial, especially when breeding, and suits a pair in a tank of their own.
Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.
Males usually grow larger, with longer fins, but sexing can be hard outside breeding.
Tank Requirements
- Suggested filter
- About 430–540 litres an hour
- Suggested heater
- About 100–150 W for this tank
- Minimum tank volume
- 108 litres
- Minimum tank length
- 120 cm
- Minimum group size
- 2
- Recommended group size
- 2
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Flow preference
- Low to moderate
- Planting preference
- Moderately planted
- Hiding places
- Yes
- Lid recommended
- Yes
- Jumping risk
- Moderate
Provide wood, rocks and clear territories, with enough open water for a fish of this size. Strong filtration helps, because cichlids produce a lot of waste.
Behaviour and Tankmates
A characterful fish that interacts with its surroundings and often recognises its keeper.
Often best as a pair, or as a small group in a roomy tank.
Can be territorial, especially when breeding.
Choose tankmates with care, by size and temperament. It may eat much smaller fish, and it can harass peaceful ones when breeding. It is likely to eat shrimp.
Water Parameters
Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.
Parameter caveat
Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.
Feeding
- Diet types
- Omnivore
- Feeding frequency
- Daily
- Preferred foods
- Quality pellets or flakeA good staple. Choose a size that fits its mouth.
- Frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimpOffer several times a week for colour and condition.
- Algae or vegetable-based foodInclude some plant matter for balance.
Takes good-quality pellets, along with frozen foods for variety.
Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.
Breeding
- Breeding type
- Substrate Spawner
- Breeding difficulty
- Difficult
- Parental care
- Variable
- Baby foods
- Newly hatched brine shrimpThe fry can usually take this from the start.
- Crushed flakeA simple addition as they grow.
Lays its eggs on a cleaned surface, such as a stone, leaf or the bottom of the tank, and the parents may guard them. Move eggs or adults if you want to raise many fry.
Habitat and Origin
- Geographic origin
- Africa, Liberia
- Natural habitat
- Freshwater Stream
- Aquarium contexts
- Planted Aquarium
- Audience level
- Beginner
Classification
- Profile type
- Recognized species
- Genus
- Rubricatochromis
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Species group
- African Cichlids, Cichlids, Fish
- Previous scientific names
- Hemichromis bimaculatus, Name also used in the hobby.
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Marliers Julie
Julidochromis marlieri
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15 cm
- Minimum tank
- 110 litres
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara baenschi
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 13 cm
- Minimum tank
- 243 litres
- Temperature
- 25–29 °C
Small Scale Cyprichromis
Cyprichromis microlepidotus Kasai
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 11 cm
- Minimum tank
- 243 litres
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C