🔥 Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) – Vibrant African Cichlid

Description: The Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) is a rare and stunning African cichlid species native to Lake Turkana in Kenya. Known for its iridescent red body speckled with blue-green spots, this fish is both eye-catching and lively. While beautiful, Turkana Jewels are also territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding, making them best suited for experienced aquarists.

Key Features

• Rare species native to Lake Turkana, Kenya
• Brilliant red body with iridescent blue-green speckling
• Hardy and adaptable to aquarium life
• Aggressive temperament – best for cichlid-only tanks
• Can reach 5–6 inches in size

Care Guide

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a pair; larger tanks for communities
• Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, krill)
• Tank Mates: Other semi-aggressive African cichlids; avoid peaceful or small community fish

🐣 Breeding

• Pair Bonding: Form monogamous pairs that defend territories fiercely
• Spawning: Lay eggs on flat rocks; parents aggressively guard fry
• Fry Feeding: Newly hatched fry can be fed with baby brine shrimp or powdered fry foods

❓ FAQ

Q: Are Turkana Jewel Cichlids beginner-friendly?
A: No, due to aggression they are recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists.

Q: Can they live with community fish?
A: Not advised. They thrive best with similarly aggressive African cichlids.

Q: How colorful do they get?
A: Their most intense colors appear during breeding, glowing red with shimmering blue-green spots.