Banded Jewel Cichlid

The banded jewel cichlid is a large, predatory Hemichromis species that lives in rivers, lakes and coastal lagoons across a wide area of West Africa. Its most distinctive feature is the row of four or five large dark blotches along its olive-yellowish body; its colors darken during breeding. It can exceed 20 cm. In the wild it feeds largely on fish, and in the aquarium it also hunts every fish that fits in its mouth. They are model parents and defend their nest very fiercely.

• At least 300 liters and 150 cm of length for a pair.
• Large roots, rock groups and flat stones; open swimming space.
• pH 6.5–8; it adapts to a wide range of water values; a 30% water change every week and a strong filter.
• Because it digs, plants should be attached to rocks.

Carnivorous. It is fed large cichlid granules, frozen mysis, krill and pieces of shrimp. Live feeder fish are not recommended because of the risk of disease.

Territorial and predatory; its aggression peaks during breeding. The pair lays a few hundred eggs on a flat stone and guards the fry together.

Good companions: Robust fish of its own size: large Synodontis species, big and fast characins and, in a large tank, large African and American cichlids.

Avoid: Any fish that could fit in its mouth, shrimp, calm and delicate species.