The Blood Red Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili), also known as the African Fire Cichlid, is one of the most colorful cichlids of its genus. Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a riverine African species that enjoys water conditions similar to New World (South and Central American) species. It is remarkably peaceful (outside of breeding time) and can possibly even be kept in a sort of community setting in an aquarium of adequate space.
The Blood Red Jewel Cichlid will thrive in an aquarium with plenty of refuge such as clay pots, driftwood, and rock formations. It typically will not eat ornamental plants, but it may do a fair amount of digging, so plants that attach to driftwood and rockwork are recommended. As mentioned before, this cichlid is generally peaceful compared to many of its relatives, so it is often compatible with other peaceful and semi-aggressive fish too large to be considered prey, such as Kribensis cichlids and larger African Tetras. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Blood Red Jewel Cichlid. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether unless the aquarium is of considerable size with ample cover/decor.
Feeding is simple for the unfussy Blood Red Jewel Cichlid. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Some vegetable matter is also required and can be achieved with the feeding of spirulina-rich foods or blanched fresh vegetables such as spinach. Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration, so this species should not be fed dry foods exclusively
