Turkana Jewel Cichlid - Hemichromis Exsul

Hemichromis exsul, known as the Turkana Jewel Cichlid, is a striking, lesser-known species of Jewel Cichlid endemic to Lake Turkana in Kenya. Unlike its more aggressive cousins, H. exsul tends to be more reserved in temperament, especially in larger tanks with plenty of territory. Its shimmering body glows with metallic blues and reds, especially during breeding season when the colors intensify dramatically.

These cichlids thrive in warm, mineral-rich water and do well in biotope setups with rocks, caves, and open swimming space. While they can be semi-aggressive, they’re often more manageable than other Hemichromis species, especially when kept with similarly sized tank mates.

Difficulty – Moderate
Temperament – Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding
Size – Up to 4 inches
Tank Size – 30 gallons minimum
Temperature – 76°F to 82°F
Diet – Omnivore (pellets, frozen foods, live foods)
pH – 7.5 to 8.5

🌿 A bold and unique cichlid that brings a splash of color and personality to African-themed tanks or species setups.

This listing is for 1 Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul).