Jewel Cichlids are omnivores and require a balanced diet that includes high amounts of protein. Additionally, it should contain vitamin and beta-carotenes to aid their growth rate.
It’s essential that the substrate you use for your fish tank is smooth and easy for them to move without damaging themselves or your tank decor. Additionally, perform 20% – 30% water changes regularly in order to keep your fish healthy and prevent ammonia buildup.
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They are omnivores
Jewel cichlids are omnivores, meaning they consume food from both plants and animals alike. In the wild, they feed on algae, biofilm and detritus as well as small freshwater fish.
In the aquarium, they eat appropriately-sized flakes and pellets as well as live or frozen meaty foods and vegetables. Variety in their diet helps keep them healthy and strong.
These fish tend to be highly aggressive, especially when they spawn. Therefore, you will need to keep them apart from other cichlids or larger fish that could potentially harm them. Furthermore, since cichlids like to have their own territories in their tank, you should provide them with rocks and cave-like structures for them to explore.
Jewel cichlids can be quite aggressive when threatened, but they’re easy to breed and look stunning in an aquarium. After being stimulated by environmental triggers like temperature change, males become territorial and display fierce parental instincts during breeding.
They need a lot of swimming space
Jewel cichlids require a large swimming space to feel secure and comfortable. They also enjoy searching through sand or silt for food, making them an ideal addition to a tank with plenty of rockwork and caves.
Cichlids tend to be aggressive towards other fish, particularly their own kind, so keeping them with other cichlids can be challenging. With an appropriate tank setup and stable water conditions however, you should have no problems.
Jewel cichlids require a tank with at least 30 gallons for one fish and an additional 10 gallons per additional addition. This provides them with enough room to swim around without bumping into each other or making unpleasant spats.
They are aggressive
Jewel cichlids have a reputation for being aggressive when hungry or stressed. They may even engage in fighting other fish, particularly long-finned types, so keeping them in a tank large enough to allow them to establish their territory safely is best.
Cichlids are monogamous, meaning once they find a mate, they will only breed with that fish. Therefore, it is essential to find a female that complements the male.
They are a commonly found water and lake dweller in West Africa. Their body shape is narrow and pointed with an anterior dorsal fin that begins about one third of their way down their body and sweeps backward until just past their tail fin base.
They have bright red or orange bodies with light blue or turquoise spots. When young, these fish can be especially vibrant in the aquarium.
They are easy to care for
Jewel cichlids are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in a variety of aquarium setups. Omnivorous, they will eat most types of food including flakes and pellets as well as live foods like insects or veggies.
Fish are especially sensitive to poor water conditions, so make sure you regularly change the water and maintain proper tank parameters. Doing this will help prevent illnesses and keep your fish healthy.
These fish are active swimmers, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of hiding places and rocks in their tank. Furthermore, adding plants suitable for their environment is a wise idea.
Sand is ideal for these fish, although gravel-based substrates work too. Jewel cichlids tend to spend a lot of time digging in the wild, so make sure the substrate they dig on is easy for them to move without injuring themselves.
