Fin's Fish Guide
The Blood-red jewel cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Central Africa; calm, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks of the Congo basin.
Description
The blood-red jewel cichlid is a small, brightly coloured cichlid from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep-red body that glows blood-red in the breeding season, studded with glittering blue-green 'jewel' spots. It inhabits quiet, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for small invertebrates, insect larvae, worms and plant matter. The pair forms a close bond, lays the eggs on a cleaned surface and guards the brood very fiercely - it is a devoted but aggressive parent. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blood-red jewel cichlid?
The Blood-red jewel cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Blood-red with glittering blue-green 'jewel' spots; devoted but aggressive substrate brooder.
Where does the Blood-red jewel cichlid live?
The Blood-red jewel cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; calm, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks of the Congo basin.
How big does the Blood-red jewel cichlid get?
The Blood-red jewel cichlid grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Blood-red jewel cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Blood-red jewel cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blood-red jewel cichlid edible?
The Blood-red jewel cichlid is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blood-red jewel cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blood-red jewel cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.