Blood-red Jewel Cichlid
Cichlidae sp.
Blood-red Jewel Cichlid (Cichlidae sp.) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 73–79°F and pH 6.5–8.5. The Blood-red Jewel Cichlid appeals to experienced aquarists who appreciate vibrant, assertive fish with unique personalities.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Africa / South America (varies)
- Africa
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Blood-red Jewel Cichlid Tank Setup
Create a balanced environment with plenty of caves and hideouts to reduce aggression while allowing open swimming space. Use fine to medium substrate to facilitate natural digging behaviour and ensure adequate lighting to highlight their colours without causing stress.
What Do Blood-red Jewel Cichlids Eat?
These cichlids are omnivorous and can be competitive feeders, so provide a varied diet including high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and plant matter to promote health and colour vibrancy. Monitor feeding times to ensure all fish receive adequate nutrition without excessive competition.
Blood-red Jewel Cichlid Tank Mates
Best paired with similarly sized, robust species that are not overly timid or have long fins. Avoid small fish or slow-moving tankmates, as the Jewel Cichlid may view them as prey. Intraspecies dynamics can be complex; a single male with several females can help mitigate aggression, but multiple males in close quarters will likely lead to conflict.
Are Blood-red Jewel Cichlids Good for Beginners?
This sits in the advanced range in the app. Strong filtration, stable chemistry, and reading up before purchase matter more than a catchy shop name. Aquarists often underestimate the territorial nature of Jewel Cichlids, leading to poor tankmate choices that result in stress or injury. Not providing enough hiding spots can exacerbate aggression, while failing to accommodate their bioload can lead to poor water quality and health issues.
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