Hi everyone, I've recently become really into cichlids, especially African ones, and I've got a pair of kribensis that I think are awesome. I'm looking to explore the cichlid world further, and I came across some beautiful neon forest jewels at my local shop. The staff warned me that they're quite aggressive, not suitable for small community tanks. Since I'm not planning to breed them, I'm considering getting a single male or female.
I'd love to know what size tank I'd need for this, and what tankmates would be suitable. I'm not rushing into anything just yet - I'm just enjoying my new tank for now - but I want to be prepared and do my research before investing in another tank.
information on jewel cichlids
Re: information on jewel cichlids
Jewels are indeed a siren's call, their colours mesmerizing. If you're determined to keep them, be prepared to devote a tank solely to their needs - no tankmates, no exceptions. Their prolific breeding will result in numerous unwanted offspring.
I've had the pleasure of keeping jewels on multiple occasions, often the guttatus variety mislabeled as lifalili. Their intelligence and non-aggressive nature can be a delight to observe, but only in a suitable environment. A spacious tank, approximately 4 feet in length, with a thoughtful design to mitigate aggression, is essential. My experience catching them in Gabon revealed they're typically solitary creatures, suggesting their aggressive tendencies aren't solely a result of small tank constraints.
It's not about breeding or not; the aggression is inherent, present in pairs or singles alike. Some aquarists attempt to keep them with aggressive American cichlids, often in those dreaded one-species-per-tank setups, which, in my opinion, prioritizes survival over well-being. The constant stress and subdued colouration are a poor trade-off.
Avoid pairing them with mbuna, as jewels thrive in softwater, open-spawning environments, a far cry from the hardwater lake habitats of mbuna. Their social needs are vastly different, making cohabitation challenging.
If I had the luxury of space and resources, I might consider a jewel tank, for their beauty almost justifies their violent nature. They're intelligent, colourful fish, but that underlying aggression is a significant concern.
I've had the pleasure of keeping jewels on multiple occasions, often the guttatus variety mislabeled as lifalili. Their intelligence and non-aggressive nature can be a delight to observe, but only in a suitable environment. A spacious tank, approximately 4 feet in length, with a thoughtful design to mitigate aggression, is essential. My experience catching them in Gabon revealed they're typically solitary creatures, suggesting their aggressive tendencies aren't solely a result of small tank constraints.
It's not about breeding or not; the aggression is inherent, present in pairs or singles alike. Some aquarists attempt to keep them with aggressive American cichlids, often in those dreaded one-species-per-tank setups, which, in my opinion, prioritizes survival over well-being. The constant stress and subdued colouration are a poor trade-off.
Avoid pairing them with mbuna, as jewels thrive in softwater, open-spawning environments, a far cry from the hardwater lake habitats of mbuna. Their social needs are vastly different, making cohabitation challenging.
If I had the luxury of space and resources, I might consider a jewel tank, for their beauty almost justifies their violent nature. They're intelligent, colourful fish, but that underlying aggression is a significant concern.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
Thanks for the detailed info, I really appreciate it. I've learned more from you than from any website or video I've watched on the topic. A 4ft tank is definitely on my wishlist now, maybe I'll even ask for one for Christmas. I was thinking of the Aqua One Horizon, it's 4ft long but only 182L - do you think that would be suitable for keeping jewels? I know I'd need to replace the hang on back filter with a sponge filter to prevent fry from getting sucked in. As for the hardscape, I'm not sure what would be best - would a heavily planted tank be necessary, or could I get away with a sand substrate, some small islands and caves, and a few small plants?graye wrote: ↑Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:56 am Jewels are indeed a siren's call, their colours mesmerizing. If you're determined to keep them, be prepared to devote a tank solely to their needs - no tankmates, no exceptions. Their prolific breeding will result in numerous unwanted offspring.
I've had the pleasure of keeping jewels on multiple occasions, often the guttatus variety mislabeled as lifalili. Their intelligence and non-aggressive nature can be a delight to observe, but only in a suitable environment. A spacious tank, approximately 4 feet in length, with a thoughtful design to mitigate aggression, is essential. My experience catching them in Gabon revealed they're typically solitary creatures, suggesting their aggressive tendencies aren't solely a result of small tank constraints.
It's not about breeding or not; the aggression is inherent, present in pairs or singles alike. Some aquarists attempt to keep them with aggressive American cichlids, often in those dreaded one-species-per-tank setups, which, in my opinion, prioritizes survival over well-being. The constant stress and subdued colouration are a poor trade-off.
Avoid pairing them with mbuna, as jewels thrive in softwater, open-spawning environments, a far cry from the hardwater lake habitats of mbuna. Their social needs are vastly different, making cohabitation challenging.
If I had the luxury of space and resources, I might consider a jewel tank, for their beauty almost justifies their violent nature. They're intelligent, colourful fish, but that underlying aggression is a significant concern.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
In Canada, different brands are the norm, so I won't comment on specific tanks.
The hobby's got a lot of Rubricatochromis, or red jewels, floating around, previously classified under Hemichromis. I've had the privilege of discussing these fish with Paul Loiselle, a pioneer in their scientific study, and recently went fishing with Anton Lamboj, who's currently working on them. These fish are notoriously tricky to identify without knowing their origin, and for hobbyists like us, that's often a mystery. So don't stress if you can't pinpoint the species of your jewels, if you decide to get them.
The general consensus is that they're Hemichromis bimaculatus, but that's a fish from a remote location, possibly never kept in aquariums. A 70-year-old misidentification has led us down this path.
My experience with R guttatus, which I received as lifallili, was that they'd spawn every few weeks. Each time, the male would bite the female's tail off at the base, only for it to grow back quickly. Their aggressive tendencies are something you'll need to be prepared for. I must admit, I have a soft spot for them, despite usually preferring peaceful fish. Their sharpness is undeniable, though. The larger predators within Hemichromis are stunning. If I ever hit the jackpot, I'll definitely get some.
As open spawners, they appreciate sand, which allows them to dig. I'd recommend keeping the power filter, but adding a sponge filter won't hurt. You can even create a DIY filter intake cover using a wide-pored sponge to protect the fry. That way, you'll save those little ones.
However, no one wants those beautiful fry. Every time I bred them, I was stuck with dozens that I had to give away as feeders.
The hobby's got a lot of Rubricatochromis, or red jewels, floating around, previously classified under Hemichromis. I've had the privilege of discussing these fish with Paul Loiselle, a pioneer in their scientific study, and recently went fishing with Anton Lamboj, who's currently working on them. These fish are notoriously tricky to identify without knowing their origin, and for hobbyists like us, that's often a mystery. So don't stress if you can't pinpoint the species of your jewels, if you decide to get them.
The general consensus is that they're Hemichromis bimaculatus, but that's a fish from a remote location, possibly never kept in aquariums. A 70-year-old misidentification has led us down this path.
My experience with R guttatus, which I received as lifallili, was that they'd spawn every few weeks. Each time, the male would bite the female's tail off at the base, only for it to grow back quickly. Their aggressive tendencies are something you'll need to be prepared for. I must admit, I have a soft spot for them, despite usually preferring peaceful fish. Their sharpness is undeniable, though. The larger predators within Hemichromis are stunning. If I ever hit the jackpot, I'll definitely get some.
As open spawners, they appreciate sand, which allows them to dig. I'd recommend keeping the power filter, but adding a sponge filter won't hurt. You can even create a DIY filter intake cover using a wide-pored sponge to protect the fry. That way, you'll save those little ones.
However, no one wants those beautiful fry. Every time I bred them, I was stuck with dozens that I had to give away as feeders.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I've been in touch with the store, and they claim the jewels are H lifallili, but I'm not convinced. I think they might actually be R guttatus, just like the ones you've had experience with. The reason I'm skeptical about the lifallili ID is that they're extremely rare in the aquarium trade.
If I do decide to bring some home in the next few months, I'll definitely be keeping them solo. I want to make sure they've got plenty of space to thrive without any stress. Thanks again for your insight, it's been really helpful. I'll be sure to keep you updated if I do end up getting them.
If I do decide to bring some home in the next few months, I'll definitely be keeping them solo. I want to make sure they've got plenty of space to thrive without any stress. Thanks again for your insight, it's been really helpful. I'll be sure to keep you updated if I do end up getting them.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I've heard of a jewel cichlid lookalike that's supposed to be really peaceful, I've seen it mentioned on here before but I've no idea what it's called, might be worth looking into if you're set on having a jewel but don't want the aggression.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I think I might know the one you're talking about, it's the Anomalochromis thomasi, also known as the African Butterfly Cichlid. They do look quite similar to the regular jewel cichlids you see in shops, but from what I've read, they're supposed to be much less aggressive.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I recall hearing that lifallili were supposedly less aggressive than their jewel counterparts - I must admit, I was more than happy to buy into that notion. Who wouldn't want to believe that, right? Unfortunately, my personal experience with them told a different story. I've had the chance to keep lifallili on a couple of occasions, and each time, they proved to be feisty little creatures, albeit slightly smaller than the standard jewel.
The Anomalochromis group, on the other hand, is a different story altogether - peaceful and calm, they make for wonderful additions to a community tank. One thing to note, however, is that they lack the vibrant red hues that jewels are known for.
The Anomalochromis group, on the other hand, is a different story altogether - peaceful and calm, they make for wonderful additions to a community tank. One thing to note, however, is that they lack the vibrant red hues that jewels are known for.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I've heard of another isolated species that might fit the bill, R. exsul from alkaline Lake Turkana - it's relatively new on the scene. Apparently, they're considered "peaceful for Jewels", which is to say, not entirely peaceful, but a step in the right direction. If you've got a large enough tank, they might just get along with other fish.
Re: information on jewel cichlids
I've been searching for that elusive peaceful jewel cichlid, and I'm pretty sure it's not the Anomalochromis thomasi. The one I'm thinking of looks almost identical to the standard jewel, but with a much more docile temperament - it won't wreak havoc on the rest of the tank.