Turkana jewel cichlid pair

Hemichromis exsul, commonly known as the Turkana Jewel Cichlid, is a rare African cichlid found naturally only in the Lake Turkana basin of Kenya. It is prized for its brilliant red breeding coloration and its interesting parental care, but it is considerably more aggressive than South American dwarf cichlids.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hemichromis exsul
• Common name: Turkana Jewel Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Turkana, Kenya
• Adult size: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Temperament: Aggressive and highly territorial, especially during breeding

Appearance

• Silvery-green to olive body with iridescent blue-green spangling.
• Bright red or crimson belly and lower body, especially in breeding condition.
• Blue metallic spots on the fins and body.
• Males are usually larger with longer fins, while females often display more intense red coloration when spawning.

Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• Hardness: 8–20 dGH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum tank size: 150 liters (40 gallons) for a pair
• Sandy or fine gravel substrate
• Plenty of rocks, caves, and sturdy decorations to establish territories
• Hardy plants such as Java fern or Anubias attached to wood or rocks (soft plants may be uprooted)
• Moderate filtration and regular water changes

Diet

Turkana Jewel Cichlids are omnivores with a strong preference for meaty foods:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill
• Live foods occasionally
• Vegetable-based foods or spirulina pellets as a supplement

Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.

Tank Mates

Best kept:

• As a bonded pair in a species tank
• With other robust African cichlids only in large aquariums with carefully planned territories

Avoid:

• Small tetras, rasboras, guppies, and other peaceful fish
• Slow-moving or long-finned species
• Other similarly sized cichlids in small tanks

Breeding

• Open-substrate spawner.
• Eggs are laid on a flat rock or cleaned surface.
• Both parents actively guard the eggs and fry.
• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days.
• Fry become free-swimming after 5–7 days.
• Parents provide exceptional care but become extremely territorial during this period.

Care Tips

• Maintain excellent water quality with weekly 25–30% water changes.
• Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to reduce aggression.
• Introduce pairs carefully, as incompatible fish may fight.
• Ensure the tank is securely covered, as they can jump when startled.

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid is an excellent choice for aquarists who enjoy colorful, intelligent cichlids with fascinating breeding behavior, but it is best suited to experienced keepers due to its territorial nature.