Red Jewel Cichlid tank mates
Hemichromis lifalili
4 rated pairings from the Red Jewel Cichlid care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Red Jewel Cichlid needs at least 30 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Bottom-dweller that avoids conflict; helps with algae control and occupies different zone
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
5 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Hard-shelled snails resist predation; provide algae control without competing for space
Use caution
2 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
20 gal min · 4" adult · Peaceful
Nocturnal and hides; may be nipped at but generally tolerated if tank is large enough
Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
30 gal min · 6" adult · Aggressive
Only in very large tanks (50+ gallons); two males will fight; pairs may breed and become more aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.