Jewel cichlid

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Jewel cichlid
Hemichromis lifalili (aquarium)3.jpg
Hemichromis lifalili
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Tribe: Hemichromini
Genus: Hemichromis
W. K. H. Peters, 1857
Type species
Hemichromis fasciatus
W. K. H. Peters, 1857

Hemichromis is a genus of fishes from the cichlid family, known in the aquarium trade as jewel cichlids. Jewel cichlids are native to Africa. Within West Africa, Hemichromis species are found in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes with a variety of water qualities including brackish water lagoons. [1] [2] As traditionally defined, the genus includes two distinctly different groups: The five-spotted cichlid group (Hemichromis sensu stricto ) and the true jewel cichlid group (Rubricatochromis), which sometimes are recognized as distinct genera. [3]

Contents

Maximum size reported for the different species of Hemichromis ranges from 6.5 to 26.5 cm (2.5–10.5 in) in total length. [1] [4] Maximum sizes in aquaria tend to be slightly smaller than in the wild. [1]

Many Hemichromis species are brightly coloured, though brighter body colouration is generally evident during breeding. Sexual dimorphism is limited, though male jewel cichlids are typically more brightly coloured and in some species have more pointed anal, ventral and dorsal fins. In some species, such as Hemichromis cristatus, the females can have coloring as bright as the males. Like most cichlids, jewel cichlids have highly developed brood care. Hemichromis species typically form monogamous breeding pairs and the female spawns on a flat surface such as a leaf or stone. Both parents guard the eggs, and participate in fry raising.

Taxonomy

H. fasciatus, the largest species in the genus Hefas u0.gif
H. fasciatus, the largest species in the genus
A female H. lifalili fanning her eggs Female Red Jewel Cichlid With Clutch Of Eggs.jpg
A female H. lifalili fanning her eggs

This genus consists of two distinct groups that possibly should be moved into separate genera. The first group, the so-called five-spotted cichlids (including H. elongatus, H. faciatus and H. frempongi), would remain in the genus Hemichromis, while the rest, the true jewel cichlids, would be moved to their own genus. [5] In 2022, the new genus Rubricatochromis was described for the true jewel cichlids. [3]

The species level taxonomy of Hemichromis is not fully resolved. [5] [6] Although some of the localized species are well-defined, this is not the case for all the more widespread species and there are several distinct color forms of unclear taxonomic status. [6] For example, H. faciatus of the Nile basin and those in West Africa may belong to separate species, [7] but H. frempongi of Lake Bosumtwi might be a synonym of H. fasciatus. [8] H. elongatus of the Congo River basin and upper Zambezi may represent a species that is distinct from H. faciatus elsewhere, and "dwarf" populations in lakes Barombi Koto and Mboandong may also be distinct. [6] In the Nile delta, there appear to be two morphologically distinct populations that traditionally have been included in, but might be separate from, H. letourneuxi elsewhere in the Nile system. [7] A comprehensive study of the genus also points to the existence of two undescribed species of jewel cichlids in the Guinea region. [5] H. saharae was generally considered a synonym of H. letourneuxi until 2014 where a genetic study confirmed its distinction, [9] although some have opted to retain the two as a single species. [8] The taxonomic confusion in this genus has been further complicated by fish in the aquarium trade, where there have been frequent misidentification, hybridization between species and selective breeding. For example, the introduced population in Florida, which is based on aquarium fish, was identified as H. bimaculatus up until the 1990s, but likely are H. letourneuxi or hybrids. [10] A similar pattern can be seen in introduced populations elsewhere that traditionally were identified as H. bimaculatus, but likely are other species, especially H. letourneuxi. [11]

Species

There are currently 13 recognized species in this genus: [4] [12]

Aquarium care

Jewel cichlids are neither suited to beginners, nor the usual community tank. Several young specimens may be kept in a spacious aquarium, with stones and wood for cover until a pair forms prior to breeding. Their innate aggression makes them good candidates for keeping in a monospecies aquarium, however this depends on a number of factors similar to all tropical cichlid fish; swimming and territory space, other aquatic inhabitants, diet and feeding frequency and tank layout.

Jewel cichlids are omnivorous and will eat both live foods and fish flakes.

Tank Setup

Here are some general guidelines for setting up a tank for Jewel Cichlid [13]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cichlid</span> Family of fishes

Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes. Traditionally Cichlids were classed in a suborder, the Labroidei, along with the wrasses (Labridae), in the order Perciformes, but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. On the basis of fossil evidence, it first appeared in Tanzania during the Eocene epoch, about 46–45 million years ago. The closest living relative of cichlids is probably the convict blenny, and both families are classified in the 5th edition of Fishes of the World as the two families in the Cichliformes, part of the subseries Ovalentaria. This family is large, diverse, and widely dispersed. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 2,000 and 3,000.

Community aquaria are tanks that are designed to contain more than one species of fish. Most commonly they include a variety of species that do not normally occur together in nature, for example angelfish from Brazil, swordtails from Mexico, and gouramis from South East Asia. The aim of such communities is to bring together fish that are compatible in temperament and water requirements, while using their different colours and behaviors to add interest and entertainment value.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwarf cichlid</span> Subfamily of fishes

Dwarf cichlid is a term used by fishkeeping hobbyists to describe an arbitrary assemblage of small-sized fish from the family Cichlidae. Although the grouping is widely used in the aquarium industry and hobby, the grouping has no taxonomic or ecological basis and is poorly defined. Though dwarf cichlids are by definition small-sized cichlids, there is no accepted maximum length of a dwarf-sized cichlid. Some authors suggest a maximum of 10 centimetres, while other suggest a maximum length of 12 centimetres. The term is most frequently used to describe small South American or West African species which are suitable for soft, acidic densely planted aquariums, however, some aquarists and authors include within this "dwarf cichlid group" a variety of small-sized cichlids from the alkaline African rift lakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ram cichlid</span> Species of fish

The ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, is a species of freshwater fish endemic to the Orinoco River basin, in the savannahs of Venezuela and Colombia in South America. The species has been examined in studies on fish behaviour and is a popular aquarium fish, traded under a variety of common names, including ram, blue ram, German blue ram, Asian ram, butterfly cichlid, Ramirez's dwarf cichlid, dwarf butterfly cichlid and Ramirezi. The species is a member of the family Cichlidae and subfamily Geophaginae.

<i>Iodotropheus</i> Genus of fishes

Iodotropheus is a small genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. The genus is distinguished from other genera of mbuna by the upper lip which is usually connected medially to the skin of the snout by a frenum; by its small, terminal mouth; by the outer teeth of both jaws, which are unequally bicuspid and loosely spaced, the tooth shafts inclined slightly toward the jaw symphysis; by the anterior teeth of the upper jaw being much longer and more robust than the lateral and posterior teeth. The rusty cichlid or lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae is the most commonly encountered member of the genus in the aquarium trade.

<i>Lamprologus ocellatus</i> Species of fish

Lamprologus ocellatus is a species of shell dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its small size, appearance, and intelligence.

<i>Pelvicachromis pulcher</i> Species of fish

Pelvicachromis pulcher is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family, endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon. It is popular amongst aquarium hobbyists, and is most commonly sold under the name kribensis, although it has other common names, including various derivatives and color morphs of the kribensis: krib, common krib, red krib, super-red krib and rainbow krib, along with rainbow cichlid and purple cichlid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haplochromine</span> Tribe of fishes

The haplochromine cichlids are a tribe of cichlids in subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae called Haplochromini. This group includes the type genus (Haplochromis) plus a number of closely related genera such as Aulonocara, Astatotilapia, and Chilotilapia. They are endemic to eastern, southern and northern Africa, except for Astatotilapia flaviijosephi in the Middle East. A common name in a scientific context is East African cichlids – while they are not restricted to that region, they are the dominant Cichlidae there. This tribe was extensively studied by Ethelwynn Trewavas, who made major reviews in 1935 and 1989, at the beginning and at the end of her career in ichthyology. Even today, numerous new species are being described each year.

<i>Laetacara</i> Genus of fishes

Laetacara is a small genus of cichlids native to freshwater habitats in tropical and subtropical South America, ranging from the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Paraná River basin Argentina. The genus is also collectively known as the smiling acaras. Like all cichlids, Laetacara species have well-developed brood care.

<i>Mesonauta</i> Genus of fishes

Mesonauta, the flag cichlids, is a small genus of cichlids native to the Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Paraná and Paraguay basins in South America. Mesonauta is included in the subfamily Cichlasomatinae. They occur in various freshwater habitats such as streams and lakes, especially in areas with little water movement and aquatic vegetation. They are generally found in small groups that stay near the water surface. To avoid predators, adults may jump out of the water and juveniles mimic leaves.

<i>Copadichromis borleyi</i> Species of fish

Copadichromis borleyi is a species of haplochromine cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species is popular in the fishkeeping hobby where it is frequently kept in aquariums. The species has numerous common names, including redfin hap and goldfin hap.

<i>Paretroplus</i> Genus of fishes

Paretroplus is a genus of fishes in the cichlid family, all of which are endemic to lakes and rivers of Madagascar. The vast majority are threatened and restricted to the northwestern part of the island. Only P. polyactis is found in the southern half of Madagascar and only P. polyactis and P. gymnopreopercularis are found in eastern drainages. Most are restricted to freshwater, but at least P. polyactis and P. maromandia can also be seen in brackish habitats.

Ptychochromis loisellei is a species of cichlid from the Mahanara River basin north of Sambava in northeastern Madagascar. It remains common within its small range, but it is threatened by habitat loss and introduced species. It reaches about 11.9 centimetres (4.7 in). The similar named Paretroplus loisellei is also restricted to the Mahanara River basin. The specific name honours Paul V. Loiselle, Emeritus Curator of Freshwater Fishes at the New York Aquarium and a researcher in, and campaigner for the conservation of, the freshwater fish of Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">African jewelfish</span> Species of fish

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

Paretroplus loisellei is a vulnerable species of cichlid fish from the Mahanara River basin north of Sambava in northeastern Madagascar. Until its scientific description in 2011, this population was usually referred to as Paretroplus sp. nov. "Ventitry" or included in P. damii, which it resembles. It reaches about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length, and is threatened by habitat loss and introduced species. The similar named Ptychochromis loisellei is also restricted to the Mahanara River basin. The specific name honours Paul V. Loiselle, Emeritus Curator of Freshwater Fishes at the New York Aquarium and a researcher in, and campaigner for the conservation of, the freshwater fish of Madagascar.

<i>Cichlidogyrus</i> Genus of flatworms

Cichlidogyrus is a genus of monopisthocotylean monogeneans in the family Ancyrocephalidae. The type-species of the genus is Cichlidogyrus arthracanthusPaperna, 1960, by original designation. All the species of the genus are parasites on the gills of fish, namely African Cichlidae, Nandidae and Cyprinodontidae.

<i>Hemichromis fasciatus</i> Species of fish

Hemichromis fasciatus, also called the banded jewelfish and five-spot cichlid, is a species of fish in the cichlid family. It is distributed throughout West Africa. It can also be found in the Nile Basin, Lake Chad, and the upper Zambezi. It can reach a total length of up to 26.5 cm (10.4 in) and a standard length of 20.4 cm (8.0 in).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redbelly tilapia</span> Species of fish

The redbelly tilapia, also known as the Zille's redbreast tilapia or St. Peter's fish, is a species of fish in the cichlid family. This fish is found widely in fresh and brackish waters in the northern half of Africa and the Middle East. Elsewhere in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America, it has been introduced as a food fish or as a control of aquatic vegetation. Where introduced, it sometimes becomes invasive, threatening the local ecology and species. The redbelly tilapia is an important food fish and sometimes aquacultured.

<i>Hemichromis lifalili</i> Species of fish

Hemichromis lifalili, common name blood-red jewel cichlid, is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae.

<i>Hemichromis letourneuxi</i> Species of fish

Hemichromis letourneuxi is a species of cichlid which is native to West Africa and is popular in the aquarium hobby and it has been introduced to the Caribbean and the south-east United States where it is invasive.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hoedeman, J. (1974). Naturalist's Guide to Freshwater Aquarium Fish. Elsevier. pp. 1089–1091. ISBN   0-8069-3722-X.
  2. ↑ Monks, Neale (2006). Brackish Water Fishes. Tfh Publications. ISBN   978-0-7938-0564-8.
  3. 1 2 Lamboj, A.; Koblmüller, S. (2022). "Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the cichlid genus Hemichromis (Teleostei, Cichliformes, Cichlidae), with description of a new genus and revalidation of H. angolensis". Hydrobiologia. 850 (10–11): 2177–2198. doi:10.1007/s10750-022-05060-y. S2CID   253274285.
  4. 1 2 3 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2019). Species of Hemichromis in FishBase . November 2019 version.
  5. 1 2 3 Lamboj, A.; M. Petrasko; R. Schelly (2015). "Phylogeny and systematics of Hemichromis (Perciformes: Cichlidae)". Cichlid Science. 108.
  6. 1 2 3 Stiassny, M.L.J.; A. Lamboj; D. De Weirdt; G.G. Teugels (2008). "Cichlidae". In M.L.J. Stiassny; G.G Teugels; C.D. Hopkins (eds.). The fresh and brackish water fishes of Lower Guinea, West-Central Africa / Poissons d'Eaux Douces et Saumâtres de Basee Guinée, Ouest de l'Afrique Centrale. Vol. 2. Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale. pp. 269–403.
  7. 1 2 Neumann, D.; H. Obermaier; T. Moritz (2016). "Annotated checklist for fishes of the Main Nile Basin in the Sudan and Egypt based on recent specimen records (2006-2015)". Cybium. 40 (4): 287–317. doi:10.26028/cybium/2016-404-004.
  8. 1 2 Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Species in the genus Hemichromis". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  9. ↑ Geiger, M.F.; et al. (2014). "Spatial heterogeneity in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot affects barcoding accuracy of its freshwater fishes". Molecular Ecology Resources. 14 (6): 1210–1221. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.12257. PMID   24690331. S2CID   11566179.
  10. ↑ "African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) – Ecological Risk Screening Summary" (PDF). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  11. ↑ "Hemichromis letourneuxi (African jewelfish)". CABI – Invasive Species Compendium. 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  12. ↑ Bitja-Nyom, Arnold Roger, et al. "A systematic revision of the five-spotted Hemichromis complex (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from West Africa and Lower Guinea, with the description of a new species from Cameroon." Hydrobiologia (2021): 1-25.
  13. ↑ "Jewel Cichlid Care". easyfishtank.com. 4 April 2023.
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