Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)

Scientific name: Hemichromis bimaculatus Gill, 1862

Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)

The Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 21–23°C (70–73°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.5. Native range: West Africa, Widely distributed from Senegal to the Congo.

Jewelfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
12 cm (4.7 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
21–23°C (70–73°F)
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
4–16 dGH (71–286 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Diagnosis: 3 black blotches on sides, the first on opercle, the second at midpoint of body, the third on caudal-fin base; upper profile of snout convex or straight.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hemichromis bimaculatus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
13.6
Common length
7.5
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 4 - 16 benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Widely distributed in West Africa, where it is known from most hydrographic basins, associated with forested biotopes. Also reported from coastal basins of Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nile basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Assuming tm

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated