Turkana Jewel Cichlid (3”)

Scientific Name: Hemichromis exsul

Maximum Size & Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
• Lifespan: Typically 5–8 years with good care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons for a single pair
• 40-75 gallon if keeping in a community or breeding setup

Water Parameters & Care:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 7.5–8.5
• Water changes: 25–40% weekly, depending on bio-load
• Filtration: Moderate to strong; oxygenation and clean water are crucial
• Substrate & Décor:
  
• Sandy or fine gravel substrate
• Use rocks, caves, and driftwood for hiding spots
• Live plants may be uprooted; hardy or artificial plants recommended
• Temperament & Tankmates:
  

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially when breeding
• Best tankmates:
  
• Robust African cichlids
• Synodontis catfish
• Avoid:
  
• Small or docile species (like tetras, guppies)
• Other jewel cichlids unless in a large tank
• Breeding pairs may become highly territorial

Diet:

• Staples: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
• Protein: Frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms
• Feeding frequency: 1–2 times daily in small, consumable portions. Fast them 1 day a week to avoid bloating

Breeding:

• Reproduction: Biparental substrate spawners
• Spawning behavior:
  
• Territorial and aggressive
• Pair bonds form; they clean a flat rock or cave surface to lay eggs
• Eggs:
  
• Clutch size: 100–300 eggs
• Hatch in 2–3 days, fry are free-swimming in about a week
• Parental care:
  
• Both parents guard eggs and fry
• May become hostile toward other fish, even former tankmates
• Fry care:
  
• Feed fry baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food
• Separate or heavily plant the tank if raising fry with parents
• Natural Habitat Overview:

• Origin: Lake Turkana, Kenya
• Habitat: Rocky shores and shallow, vegetated lake areas
• Water: Naturally alkaline and mineral-rich
• Adaptations:
  
• Tolerant of hard water
• Territorial in limited space
• Bright coloration (reddish with iridescent spots) often enhanced during breeding

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) is a beautiful, hardy, and somewhat underrated African cichlid ideal for experienced hobbyists. Best kept in a species-only or semi-aggressive tank, it thrives in hard, alkaline water conditions. While relatively small, its bold behavior and striking colors make it a centerpiece fish when given proper care and environment. Breeding is straightforward, but aggression spikes during spawning require caution with tankmates.