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Vibrant, fiery, and full of personality, the Blood Red Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili) is a real stunner with a temperament to match. Sporting a deep crimson body peppered with iridescent blue-green spots, this striking African cichlid brings a dramatic splash of colour and action to any freshwater setup. While undeniably beautiful, it’s best suited to aquarists ready to manage its territorial nature—especially during breeding.
Species: Hemichromis lifalili
Common Names: Blood Red Jewel Cichlid, Lifalili Cichlid, Red Jewel Cichlid
Origin: Central Africa – rivers and streams in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Light Requirements: Moderate
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys quality cichlid pellets, frozen and live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia), and the occasional vegetable matter
Maximum Size: 10–12 cm
Temperament: Aggressive, especially during breeding
Care Level: Intermediate
Aquarium Setup:
Best kept in aquariums of 100 litres or more, with plenty of rockwork, caves, and territories. H. lifalili thrives in setups with sandy or fine gravel substrate, hardy plants (or artificial décor), and defined hiding spaces. While not overly fussy about water conditions, they need space to establish territory and should not be overcrowded. Be prepared to rearrange décor or separate individuals if aggression escalates.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Growth and Maintenance:
Blood Red Jewel Cichlids grow quickly and can live for 5–8 years in well-maintained tanks. Their colour becomes most intense during spawning, with brilliant reds and glowing blue spots on full display. They are hardy, adaptable fish but require careful tankmate selection and territory management to prevent bullying or injury.
Care Tips:
✔ Use caves and décor to break line of sight and reduce aggression
✔ Keep singly, in bonded pairs, or species-only tanks unless in large systems
✔ Feed a protein-rich, varied diet to maintain health and colour
✔ Remove fry or adults if aggression spikes during breeding
✔ Hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias may survive, but floating plants work best
Compatibility:
Not ideal for peaceful community tanks. Best suited to species-only or cichlid community aquariums with other robust, similarly tempered fish. Avoid keeping with timid or long-finned species. During breeding, aggression increases dramatically—consider tank dividers if needed.
Availability:
Readily available in the Australian aquarium trade, especially in their vibrant juvenile and sub-adult stages. Ask us about availability, breeding pairs, or tankmate recommendations.
Disclaimer:
"Hemichromis lifalili is a beautiful but territorial cichlid that requires space and careful planning. Not recommended for peaceful community tanks or densely planted displays."