Monster Jewel Cichlid anyone?

[Backfromthedead]

I had some well fed jewel in the old days that reach humongous size, but it is not normal in the wild which rarely exceed 6 inch. I’m not impressed by the large size though unless they can retain the red coloration. Most common red jewel fade to drab olive if they are not dominant or breeding. The Turkana jewel I currently keep are under 4 inch, but mature fish retain the red color at all time.

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Those are fantastic. Well kept, sir.

 

[salstyles]

I have seen red jewels that got six inches. The old-school jewels were bright like a jack Dempsey.

 

[SalviniCichlidFan]

I remember my jewel cichlid grew to 5-5.5 inches so he was a biggy in the jewel cichlid world. Although, I never really figured out what Hemichromis species he was.

Contrary to jewel cichlid's reputation, he was actually pretty peaceful and chill and was only aggressive when another fish entered his territory. He rarely usurped the tank boss (a 6 inch fire mouth) for power too.

Here's a pic:

 

[salstyles]

Hey a lot of my jewels get 5.5 most of my neon male jewels get around 5 or 5.5.