Hemichromis is a genus of fishes from the cichlid family, known in the aquarium trade as jewel cichlids. Jewel cichlids are native to Africa. Within West Africa, Hemichromis species are found in creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes with a variety of water qualities, including brackish-water lagoons. As traditionally defined, the genus includes two distinctly different groups: The five-spotted cichlid group (Hemichromis sensu stricto) and the true jewel cichlid group (Rubricatochromis), which sometimes are recognized as distinct genera.

The maximum size reported for the different species of Hemichromis ranges from in total length. Maximum sizes in aquaria tend to be slightly smaller than in the wild. In 2022, the new genus Rubricatochromis was described for the true jewel cichlids. Although some of the localized species are well-defined, this is not the case for all the more widespread species and several distinct color forms of unclear taxonomic status are known. but H. frempongi of Lake Bosumtwi might be a synonym of H. fasciatus. H. elongatus of the Congo River basin and upper Zambezi may represent a species that is distinct from H. faciatus elsewhere, and "dwarf" populations in lakes Barombi Koto and Mboandong may also be distinct. although some have opted to retain the two as a single species. A similar pattern can be seen in introduced populations elsewhere that traditionally were identified as H. bimaculatus, but likely are other species, especially H. letourneuxi.

Species

Currently, 13 recognized species are placed in this genus:

  • Hemichromis angolensis <small>Steindachner, 1865</small>
  • Hemichromis bimaculatus <small>T. N. Gill, 1862</small> (jewelfish)
  • Hemichromis camerounensis
  • Hemichromis cerasogaster <small>(Boulenger, 1899)</small>
  • Hemichromis elongatus <small>(Guichenot, 1861)</small> (banded jewel cichlid)
  • Hemichromis exsul <small>(Trewavas, 1933)</small> (Turkana jewel cichlid)
  • Hemichromis fasciatus <small>W. K. H. Peters, 1857</small> (banded jewelfish, five-spot cichlid)
  • Hemichromis frempongi <small>Loiselle, 1979</small>
  • Hemichromis guttatus <small>Günther, 1862</small>
  • Hemichromis letourneuxi <small>Sauvage, 1880</small>
  • Hemichromis lifalili <small>Loiselle, 1979</small>
  • Hemichromis saharae <small>Sauvage, 1880</small>
  • Hemichromis stellifer <small>Loiselle, 1979</small>

Aquarium care

Jewel cichlids are neither suited to beginners nor the usual community tank. Several young specimens may be kept in a spacious aquarium, with stones and wood for cover until a pair forms prior to breeding. Their innate aggression makes them good candidates for keeping in a monospecies aquarium, but this depends on a number of factors similar to all tropical cichlid fish - swimming and territory space, other aquatic inhabitants, diet and feeding frequency, and tank layout.

Jewel cichlids are omnivorous and eat both live foods and fish flakes.

<!-- Is Wikipedia a how-to source? === Tank setup ===

Here are some general guidelines for setting up a tank for jewel cichlids

:

  • Tank size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a pair of jewel cichlids, with an additional 10 gallons for each additional fish.
  • Water parameters: Jewels prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5–7.5) with a temperature range of 75–82&nbsp;°F. Keep the water clean by performing regular water changes (20–30% every 2 weeks).
  • Substrate and decorations: Jewels like to dig, so a substrate of fine gravel or sand is recommended. They also (How do you know??? enjoy ) having plenty of hiding places and territory to claim, so provide rocks, caves, and driftwood in the tank.
  • Filtration and aeration: A good filtration system is important to maintain good water quality in the tank. Aeration is also recommended to increase oxygenation and water flow.
  • Tankmates: Jewels can be aggressive and territorial, so keeping them with similarly sized and equally aggressive fish is preferable. Other cichlid species such as convicts, green terrors, and firemouths can make good tankmates.
  • Feeding: Jewels are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and live foods. Offer a mix of these foods to provide a balanced diet. -->

See also

  • List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References

ru:Хемихромис-красавец