Red Forest Jewel - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Red Forest Jewel Cichlid - Pick Up In Store Only

Scientific Name: Hemichromis lifalili — commonly sold under this name; confirm identification with your supplier.

Description: A striking freshwater cichlid with rich red colouring and sparkling blue-green spots across its body and fins. Colours become particularly intense during breeding. Hardy and active, Red Forest Jewels are territorial fish that require carefully selected tank mates.

Origin: Central Africa, including the Congo River basin.

pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5.

Temperature: Around 23–27°C.

Adult Size: Approximately 10–14 cm.

Lifespan: Approximately 5 years or more with good care.

Food: Omnivorous. Feed quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, occasional bloodworms and vegetable-based foods.

Compatibility: Best kept in a species aquarium or a carefully managed setup with similarly sized, robust fish. Avoid small, timid or long-finned fish and ornamental shrimp. Breeding pairs become highly territorial and may require a separate aquarium.

Habitat: Provide a spacious freshwater aquarium with sand or fine, smooth gravel, driftwood, rocks and sheltered spawning sites. Arrange decorations to break up sightlines and create separate territories. Use hardy plants attached to wood or rocks, as digging can disturb rooted plants. Maintain effective filtration and regular water changes.