Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul), Tank-Bred!

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The Turkana Jewel Cichlid is a very colorful, uncommon species that is relatively small and among the least aggressive of its genus! 

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) is a relatively small cichlid species that matures to a brilliant peach to ruby overall coloration and, like its close relatives, has many neon blue and blue-green spots. Native to Kenya's Lake Turkana, this African species enjoys water conditions similar to New World (South and Central American) species. It is remarkably peaceful (outside of breeding time) for a cichlid of its size and can possibly even be kept in a sort of cichlid community setting in an aquarium of adequate space. 

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid will thrive in an aquarium with plenty of refuge such as clay pots, driftwood, and rock formations. It typically will not eat ornamental plants, but it may do a fair amount of digging, so plants that attach to driftwood and rockwork are recommended. As mentioned before, this cichlid is generally peaceful compared to many of its relatives, so it is often compatible with other peaceful and semi-aggressive fish too large to be considered prey, such as Kribensis cichlids and larger African Tetras. But, it may not be a good candidate for typical community tanks with small fish such as rasboras, smaller tetras, etc. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Turkana Jewel Cichlid. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether unless the aquarium is of considerable size with ample cover/decor. 

Feeding is simple for the unfussy Turkana Jewel Cichlid. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Some vegetable matter is also required and can be achieved with the feeding of spirulina-rich foods or blanched fresh vegetables such as spinach. Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration, so this species should not be fed dry foods exclusively.

We are currently offering juvenile specimens of this very colorful fish.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Beautiful peach ro ruby coloration with turquoise spotting
• Very hardy with plenty of personality
• Possible to breed in the aquarium
• Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank
• Potential to be a "centerpiece" fish

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature:  73° - 79° F (23° - 26° C)
• pH:  6.0 - 7.0
• KH:  0 - 10 KH
• Minimum tank size:  29+ gallons for a pair.

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet:  Mostly carnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration. Some vegetable matter is also necessary.
• Social behavior:  Loosely social until sexual maturity. Breeding pairs are often aggressive to all other similar fish.
• Origin:  Tank-Bred, but indigenous to Lake Turkana, Kenya
• Average adult size:  4 inches (10 cm)
• Average purchase size:  1.5 inches (3.8 cm)