All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
African Jewel Cichlids (Hemichromis bimaculatus) - Description & Care Requirements
Description
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Appearance: Bright, iridescent red bodies with blue-green spots; colors intensify during breeding.
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Size: Typically 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) when fully grown.
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Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care.
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Temperament: Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.
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Origin: Native to West Africa, commonly found in rivers, streams, and lakes.
Care Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons for a pair; larger tanks recommended for community setups.
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Water Parameters:
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Filtration & Aeration: Strong filtration required; moderate water flow preferred.
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Diet: Omnivorous; high-quality pellets, flakes, live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms).
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Substrate & Décor: Sandy or fine gravel substrate; rock caves and driftwood for hiding spots.
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Lighting: Moderate lighting; dimmer light helps reduce aggression.
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Tank Mates: Best kept with other robust, similarly-sized cichlids; avoid small or peaceful fish.
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Breeding:
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Pairs form monogamous bonds.
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Spawning occurs on flat surfaces or within caves.
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Parents aggressively protect their fry.
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Maintenance: Weekly water changes of 20-30%; monitor water quality to prevent stress and disease.
