How to get Archocentrus septemfasciatus fuller in color?

Question

I have one female in a tank with a male and female Hemichromis bimaculatus. Are males just brighter in this species, or if I manage to find a mate for her, will both of their colors increase in intensity?

Answer 1

It would need to be a very large tank for a female A. septemfasciatus to feel safe when sharing with a pair of Jewel cichlids.
The jewels usually defend at least a two foot radius from their chosen spot so she may be bullied - even a fish as potentially bolshy as this can be stomped on by Jewels LOL

I assume you are giving a diet high in shrimp already?

I've never kept this particular species but have kept others of this genus & they all look their best when conditions are conducive to breeding - Lots of ledges & nooks.
Of course some females never colour up.
On doing a quick google images search I noticed quite a few pictures that have other species labeled as this one.

Answer 2

If you want to increase the reds in your fish, add some paprika to any of the food you normally feed them. Just sprinkle lightly over the food you are going to put in the tank. Fish who have reds in them, will have much brighter and more intense reds.

This is an old secret of people who participate in fish shows (like dog shows). It takes a couple weeks to build up, but it is worth it. You will have to keep adding the paprika as long as you want the extra color. I have done this with gold angelfish and the result is astounding. Try it, I think you will like the result.

Adding another fish to that tank is going to be a problem due to the other fish already having staked out their territories. The new fish will have nowhere to go to be safe.

One way I have found to add cichlids is to take all the fish out of the tank, re-arrange everything in the tank so they won't recognize it, place them back in the tank AFTER adding the new one and turn the lights out for the night. (obviously you would do it before going to bed) Hopefully this will force everyone to choose new territories and keep the violence to a minimum.

Jewels are a mean bunch to begin with, good luck.