Jewel Cichlid

Rubricatochromis bimaculatus

Jewel Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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Need help with Jewel Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6–7.8
GH: 4–18 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6–7.8, GH 4–18 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Jewel Cichlid is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Jewel Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Algeria Egypt Guinea Liberia.

Important notes

Do not buy two unrelated adults and assume a safe bonded pair; spawning aggression can be severe.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Jewel Cichlid get?

Jewel Cichlid reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Jewel Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Jewel Cichlid peaceful?

Jewel Cichlid should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Jewel Cichlid?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.