All fish / Cichlidae

Blood Red Jewel Cichlid

Rubricatochromis lifalili

Also known as lifalili jewel cichlid, red jewel cichlid, blood red jewel, jewel cichlid, hemichromis lifalili, lifalili cichlid, red jewelfish, ヘミクロミス・リファリリ, 红宝石鱼, 血红宝石

A compact West-Central African cichlid that turns a deep red, with rows of shiny blue spots and a dark blotch on the side. It is kept for its bright colour and its interesting pair behaviour, since both parents look after the young.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

One pair; keep apart from other pairs

Diet

Carnivore: quality pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and small live foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Middle Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo

Breeding

Pairs lay their eggs on a flat stone or in a cave and both parents guard the eggs and the free-swimming fry. It breeds readily once a compatible pair has formed, but the parents become very aggressive while they guard.

Good to know

Highly territorial, particularly when breeding, and may harm tankmates or a mate that is not ready, so provide cover and a large enough tank. Previously sold as Hemichromis lifalili, and it is often mixed up with H. guttatus and other jewel cichlids.