Jewel Cichlid
(Hemichromis bimaculatus)

The African jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus), also known as jewel cichlid or jewelfish, is from the family Cichlidae.

Hemichromis bimaculatus can grow up to 15 cm (6 in) long.

H. bimaculatus are red with fine jewel-like blue spots and three dark spots on the sides, the first on the opercle, the second in the middle of the body, the third at the base of the tail.

These colorful fishes are popular among fishkeepers, but they are unsuitable for typical community aquariums because of their aggressive territorial behavior, especially when breeding.

The species originates from West Africa (hence its name), with additional reports (possibly other Hemichromis species) from Middle Africa and the Nile Basin. These fishes are found in rivers, stream and canals, especially in forested regions where vegetation overhangs the water surface.

It has often been reported that H. bimaculatus, the true African jewelfish, is found throughout a large part of Africa, but this is–at least in part–because of taxonomic uncertainty. It is certainly found in West Africa, but it remains unclear if it is the same species in Middle Africa and the Nile Basin.

The same confusion exists elsewhere, as Hemichromis have been introduced to regions far from their native Africa. For example, it has commonly been reported that the true African jewelfish, H. bimaculatus, is the species introduced to the United States, specifically Florida (and spreading), but this involves the related H. letourneuxi. Another relative that has become popular in the aquarium trade is H. lifalili, but it is easily recognized by lacking a dark spot at the base of the tail.