What size tank does a Turkana Jewel Cichlid need?

A Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) requires a minimum tank size of 100 litres. As they can grow up to 8 cm, a larger aquarium is always better to ensure they thrive.

What are the ideal water parameters for Turkana Jewel Cichlid?

Keep your Turkana Jewel Cichlid in water between 24–28°C with a pH of 7.0–8.5. They prefer a hardness of 8–20 dGH. Stable parameters are more important than hitting exact numbers.

What are good tank mates for Turkana Jewel Cichlid?

Good companions include Robust African cichlids. Avoid keeping them with Small fish, Shrimp. The Turkana Jewel Cichlid is generally aggressive, so choose tank mates accordingly.

What should I feed my Turkana Jewel Cichlid?

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid is an omnivore. Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods. Feed small amounts twice daily and include variety for optimal health and colour.

How long does a Turkana Jewel Cichlid live?

With proper care, a Turkana Jewel Cichlid can live up to 6 years in captivity. Good water quality, a balanced diet, and appropriate tank mates all contribute to a long, healthy life.

Hemichromis exsul

Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul)

Name: Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: KF01
Price: 7.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Aggressive

£7.99 – £22.99In Stock

Size

A smaller jewel cichlid endemic to Lake Turkana. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

African Dwarf CichlidsAggressiveCichlidaeFishLive FishModerate Caresite:tropical-fish-coTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Hemichromis exsul

Adult Size

8 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

7–8.5

Hardness

8–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

100L

Diet

Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

7–8.5

7Ideal Range8.5

Water Hardness

8–20 dGH

8 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) is a smaller jewel cichlid endemic to lake turkana. Originating from Africa (Lake Turkana, Kenya), this aggressive species is rated as moderate care level and can live up to 6 years with proper husbandry.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Hemichromis exsul
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Africa (Lake Turkana, Kenya)
Care Level	moderate
Temperament	aggressive
Adult Size	8 cm
Minimum Tank Size	100 litres
Temperature	24–28°C
pH Range	7.0–8.5
Water Hardness	8–20 dGH
Diet	Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods
Lifespan	6 years
Tank Region	middle
Group Size	Pair

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid hails from Africa (Lake Turkana, Kenya). Smaller but still territorial. Prefers harder, more alkaline water than most jewel cichlids.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 100 litres for your Turkana Jewel Cichlid. Adults reach approximately 8 cm, so plan accordingly. Maintain water temperature between 24–28°C with a pH of 7.0–8.5 and hardness of 8–20 dGH. This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium. Recommended group size: Pair.

Feeding Guide

The Turkana Jewel Cichlid is an omnivore. Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods. Feed small portions twice daily for optimal health and colouration.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions for the Turkana Jewel Cichlid include Robust African cichlids. Avoid housing with Small fish, Shrimp. You might also consider species such as Anomalochromis Thomasi, Lwanda Peacock Cichlid, Albino Golden Mbuna Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Turkana Jewel Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

Read the full delivery & guarantee story