Hemichromis elongatus
 

77°F
Explanation of the symbols

73°F

Family : Cichlidae
Origin : West Africa, from Guinea to Zambia
Length : 15 cm - 6"
Min. length aquarium : 150 cm - 60"
English names : Banded jewel cichlid, Banded jewelfish, Elongated Jewel Fish, Five-spot cichlid, Five-star general
This species should be kept as a pair.  He is a large predator that digs a lot in the substrate, so plants can not be used.  The aquarium should be set up with stones, driftwood and roots that make a lot of hiding places.  The substrate should be sandy.  In their natural habitat they live near de coast, so it is wise to add about 2 teaspoons of seasalt to 10 liters of water.  You can keep them together with other fishes of the same size that live in the same water. 

They are omnivorous but they prefer powerful live food.  Frozen and dry food are accepted as well.

Breeding is rather easy.  Up to 800 eggs are laid and fertilized on a previously cleaned flat stone.  Both parents care for the fry.  After 2 days the eggs hatch.  The parents move the larvae to breeding pits.  Another 6 days later the young fishes are swimming free.  You can raise them with baby brine shrimp.   

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems


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