Hey! I am looking for solid information about jewel cichlid species and color variations. I also want to know more about the taxonomy of the turquoise jewels seen in the hobby. Any help is appreciated
Jewel Cichlid info!
- Thread starter AmazonFreak
- Start date
There are at least 15 different species of jewel cichlids (Genus Hemichromis)
All from the north, central and into the southern parts of Africa, parts of the Nile and Congo river systems. They are usually considered a soft water species, yet are very adaptable to different water types.
The blue one usually available in aquarium trade is H cerasogaster, but there is also H. exsul, and H sp Guinea 1 that are very blue.
More common Hemichromis are invasive in the Cuatro Cienegas lagoons in Mexico, and in parts Florida.
The 5 spot group is generally larger and more aggressive than the smaller normally kept jewels.
All from the north, central and into the southern parts of Africa, parts of the Nile and Congo river systems. They are usually considered a soft water species, yet are very adaptable to different water types.
The blue one usually available in aquarium trade is H cerasogaster, but there is also H. exsul, and H sp Guinea 1 that are very blue.
More common Hemichromis are invasive in the Cuatro Cienegas lagoons in Mexico, and in parts Florida.
The 5 spot group is generally larger and more aggressive than the smaller normally kept jewels.
The turquoise one is completely unknown and thought to be a hybrid, unless something has come out in the last few years that I missed.