Red Jewel Cichlid (Rubricatochromis paynei)
Remarks: The red jewel cichlid (Rubricatochromis paynei) is a species of jewel cichlid that rarely makes an appearance within the hobby. Exporting wild fish has proven very difficult as its native range of Sierra Leone and Liberia has had a number of socio-political tensions and conflicts. Not only has export proven challenging, but things are made more complicated with many other species of jewel cichlid being incorrectly labeled as R. paynei. This mislabeling is primarily due to how difficult it is to visually differentiate the red jewel cichlid from other species within the genus.
The breeders we imported that have produced the fish we currently sell were imported as R. paynei and we believe them to be such. They match the description of the species in key features such as body coloration and fin shape.
Species Information
| Scientific Name | Rubricatochromis paynei |
|---|---|
| Native Range | Sierra Leone and Liberia |
| Common Name | Red Jewel Cichlid |
| Availability | Hard to find; limited supply due to export challenges |
FAQ
Is this fish correctly identified as Rubricatochromis paynei?
The fish we sell were imported under the name Rubricatochromis paynei and match the known characteristics of the species. However, visual identification can be challenging due to similarities with other jewel cichlid species. We rely on breeding records and morphological features to confirm this identification.
Why is the Red Jewel Cichlid so rare in the aquarium trade?
The native regions of Sierra Leone and Liberia have faced socio-political instability, making wild fish collection and export extremely difficult. Additionally, mislabeling of similar species is common, which further limits accurate availability of true Rubricatochromis paynei.
What are the key features that distinguish this species from others in the jewel cichlid group?
The red jewel cichlid has a distinct red body coloration and a specific fin shape. These features, combined with its behavior and breeding patterns, help differentiate it from closely related species, though visual identification remains challenging.
Jessica Grant –
Received the red jewel cichlid and it looks exactly as described. The color is vibrant and the fish is active in the tank. It’s a rare find, and I’m glad I got it through Imperial Tropicals. The packaging was secure and the fish seemed healthy upon arrival.
Justin Hodges –
This is one of the more unique cichlids I’ve had. It stands out in the tank with its bright red hue. I was cautious because of the labeling issues in the hobby, but the fish matches the description well. A bit shy at first, but it’s become more confident over time.
Carl Ross –
Hard to find, but worth the effort. The fish is striking and maintains good health in a 55-gallon tank with proper water parameters. I appreciate the transparency about the identification challenges and the care taken in sourcing.