Species profile
African Three-Spot Cichlid
Rubricatochromis bimaculatus
Aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–12 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Often sold as Jewel Cichlid type. Very aggressive when breeding.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
3–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.2
Strongly territorial when paired or spawning. A compatible pair needs broken sight-lines and robust tankmates, or species-only housing.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Rubricatochromis bimaculatus
Alternative names
Hemichromis bimaculatus, African Three-Spot Cichlid, Jewelfish
Native range
West Africa; historical locality records are complicated by long-running confusion among red jewel-cichlid species.
Natural habitat
Freshwater rivers, streams and associated quieter margins. Provide sand, stones/wood and several visual barriers with robust filtration.
Diet & feeding
Predatory/generalist cichlid; offer quality cichlid pellets plus varied frozen or live invertebrate foods rather than feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexing is unreliable in juveniles; mature males tend to be larger and more elongate while females often become fuller and intensely coloured when breeding.
Breeding
Biparental open-substrate spawner. Eggs are laid on a cleaned rock or other firm surface and both parents aggressively guard eggs and fry.