Turkana Jewel Cichlid – Hemichromis exsul | Premium A-Grade Live Fish
Turkana Jewel Cichlid – Hemichromis exsul
The Turkana Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis exsul) is a stunning East African cichlid known for its intense red-to-orange coloration, shimmering blue-green spotting, and bold personality. As the fish matures and reaches breeding condition, its coloration can become especially vibrant.
Native to the Lake Turkana region of East Africa, this species makes an impressive centerpiece for aquarists looking for a colorful and less commonly offered African cichlid.
Scientific Name: Hemichromis exsul
Common Name: Turkana Jewel Cichlid
Origin: Lake Turkana region, East Africa
Type: African Jewel Cichlid
Temperament: Aggressive / Territorial
Adult Size: Approximately 4–5"
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Tank: 40+ gallons; larger when kept with other cichlids
Cichlid Vault Quality
⭐ Premium A-Grade Stock
🐟 Hand Selected
🌎 Worldwide Sourcing
📸 WYSIWYG fish available
See them live! Follow @CichlidVault on Instagram for current stock, videos, and WYSIWYG fish.
Coloration can vary based on age, sex, dominance, breeding condition, diet, and environment. Unless marked WYSIWYG, photos are representative of the species and potential coloration.
Shipping Tropical Fish from Cichlid Vault
Welcome to Cichlid Vault! We take great care to ensure your tropical fish arrive healthy, safe, and on time.
Shipping Schedule
- We ship live fish orders four days a week to ensure minimal transit time and the safest delivery:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - Orders are shipped via UPS Next Day Air.
Shipping Rates
🟢 Zone 1 – $39.99
CT • NJ • NY • PA
🟡 Zone 2 – $49.99
AL • DE • DC • FL • GA • IL • IN • KY • ME • MD • MA • MI • MS • NH • NC • OH • RI • SC • TN • VT • VA • WV • WI
🔴 Zone 3 – $54.99
AZ • AR • CA • CO • ID • IA • KS • LA • MN • MO • MT • NE • NV • NM • ND • OK • OR • SD • TX • UT • WA • WY
- We do not ship to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or Alaska at this time.
Local Pickup
Local pickup is available at Rockland Aquarium in New City, NY.
Cichlid Vault operates from a private facility and does not accept walk-ins.
Cichlid Vault Facility — No Walk-Ins
Local Pickup — Rockland Aquarium, New City, NY
To schedule a pickup, please text or call: 845-269-1530.
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind every shipment with our Live Arrival Guarantee. To qualify:
- A clear photo or video of any DOA fish inside the unopened original bag must be emailed within 2 hours of delivery.
- Packages must be shipped to the correct address provided at checkout (no forwarding addresses).
- Someone must be present to receive the package on the first delivery attempt.
- Refunds are issued for the cost of the fish only; shipping fees are non-refundable.
- All listed fish sizes are approximate.
- Customers are responsible for complying with all local and state laws regarding livestock.
State Laws & Restrictions
Please verify your state’s regulations before placing your order.
If any species are prohibited in your state, your order will be canceled.
Where We Ship From
All live fish orders are shipped directly from our location in New City, New York.
🕐 Why “Next-Day Delivery” May Take Longer Than 24 Hours
“Next-Day Delivery” refers to the transit time — the period between when your package leaves our facility and when it arrives at your address.
Please note:
- Delivery methods do not include handling or preparation time.
- We ship Monday through Thursday only, to prevent weekend delays.
- Orders may require additional time for packing, scheduling, or weather-related adjustments before they ship.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance:
📧Cichlidvault@gmail.com
📞 Text or Call: 845-269-1530