Jewel Identification Please

[FreakIndeed]

Hi All!

Was wondering if someone could help me identify exactly which Jewel this is? I picked him up a couple weeks ago at the LFS for just $2.98. He's a beauty. He does have a small black spot at the base of his tail too, although it's not very bold in this photo.

Thanks!

 

[FreakIndeed]

Also, I was under the impression by the LFS that these don't get that mean. Is this true? He's in a 125 with a much larger Gold Severum, JD, and Firemouth. Eventually I'm going to add an Electric Blue JD about the same size as the Jewel.

Thanks again!

 

[straitjacketstar]

They're as aggressive as mid-size Central Americans. They're downright pissy while spawning. Shouldn't have a problem mixing them with fish like cons, JD's, FM's, Texas, etc. I'd keep an eye out for the EBJD though since they're supposed to be a bit more mild-tempered than regular JD's.
As for the ID, Hemichromis gutattus is the correct scientific name.

 

[tjudy]

H. gutattus, the pure ones anyway, do not have that much spangling. It looks like a H. lifalilli, H. letourneuxi or possibly a hybrid.

 

[hemiboo]

Definately H. Bimaculatus. H. Lifalilli are really super red even when young, I have young that are a cross between the two, Really amazing. I need a digi cam to take some pics.

 

[straitjacketstar]

Definately H. Bimaculatus.

The trade jewels are often erroneously identified as "H. bimaculatus". The common hobby jewel is usually H. guttatus which, depending on geographical variant, may also be mistaken for H. lifalili.

 

[mbunafishkeeper]

maybe a hybrid

 

[jsilver7778]

might be a hybrid. mine only got mean when spawning, otherwise peaceful with cichilids in my tank