Jewel cichlid
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Hemichromis bimaculatus
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Hemichromis is a genus of fish from the family Cichlidae, known in the aquarium trade as Jewel cichlids. Jewel cichlids are native to west Africa and northeast Africa. Within west Africa Hemichromis species are found in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes with a variety of water qualities including brackish water lagoons.[1][2]
Maximum size reported for the different species of Hemichromis ranges from around 8 to 20 cm (3-8 inches) total length.[1][3] Maximum sizes in aquaria tend to be slightly smaller than in the wild; Hemichromis bimaculatus for example occasionally reaching 20 cm in the wild but in home aquaria seldom more than 15 cm.[1]
Many Hemichromis species are brightly coloured, though brighter body colouration is generally evident during breeding. Sexual dimorphism is limited, though male jewel cichlids are typically more brightly coloured and in some species have more pointed anal, ventral and dorsal fins.In some species, such as Hemichromis cristatus, the females can have coloring as bright as the males. Like most cichlids, jewel cichlids have highly developed brood care. Hemichromis species typically form monogamous breeding pairs and the female spawns on a flat surface such as a leaf or stone. Both parents guard the eggs, and participate in fry raising.
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[edit] Species
- Hemichromis angolensis Steindachner, 1865
- Hemichromis bimaculatus Gill, 1862
- Hemichromis cerasogaster (Boulenger, 1899)
- Hemichromis cristatus Loiselle, 1979
- Hemichromis elongatus (Guichenot, 1861)
- Hemichromis exsul (Trewavas, 1933)
- Hemichromis fasciatus Peters, 1857
- Hemichromis frempongi Loiselle, 1979
- Hemichromis guttatus Günther, 1862
- Hemichromis letourneuxi Sauvage, 1880
- Hemichromis lifalili Loiselle, 1979
- Hemichromis paynei Loiselle, 1979
- Hemichromis stellifer Loiselle, 1979
[edit] 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.
Jewel cichlids are omnivorous and will eat both live foods and fish flakes.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Hoedeman, J. (1974). Naturalist's Guide to Freshwater Aquarium Fish. Elsevier, 1089–1091. ISBN 0-8069-3722-X.
- ^ Monks, Neale (editor) (2006). Brackish Water Fishes. ISBN 0-7938-0564-3.
- ^ Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.. Family-Search Result, Africa-Inland Waters. FishBase. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
[edit] See also
- Hemichromis bimaculatus (TSN 169806). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on June 22, 2005.
- "Hemichromis bimaculatus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.