African jewelfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids African jewelfish |
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The African jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) is a very colorful fish. It is also known as the jewel cichlid or jewelfish. This fish belongs to the Cichlidae family. It is popular with people who keep fish as pets.
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About the African Jewelfish
What They Look Like
African jewelfish can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long. They are bright red with tiny, sparkling blue spots. These spots look like jewels, which is how they got their name! They also have three dark spots on their sides. One is near their gills, one in the middle of their body, and the last one is near their tail.
These beautiful fish are very popular with fishkeepers. However, they are not usually good for a typical community aquarium. This is because they can be quite aggressive. They like to protect their own space, especially when they are getting ready to have babies.
Where They Live in the Wild
The African jewelfish comes from West Africa. This is why it's called the African jewelfish! There are also reports of similar fish in Middle Africa and the Nile Basin. These fish live in rivers, streams, and canals. They especially like places in forests where plants hang over the water.
It was once thought that this exact species lived all over Africa. But scientists now know that it's a bit confusing. It is definitely found in West Africa. However, the fish in Middle Africa and the Nile Basin might be different types of jewelfish.
Sometimes, jewelfish are found in places far from Africa. This happens when they are brought there by people. For example, some jewelfish were brought to Florida in the United States. People thought it was the true African jewelfish. But it was actually a close relative called H. letourneuxi. Another relative, H. lifalili, is also popular in fish tanks. You can tell it apart because it does not have a dark spot near its tail.
Keeping African Jewelfish as Pets
Water Needs
African jewelfish need water that is a little bit acidic. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.8. They also need warm water. The temperature should be between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius (72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). These conditions help them stay healthy and happy.
Because they can be aggressive, it's often best to keep them alone. But in very large fish tanks, they can sometimes live with other strong fish. Good tank mates might include Congo tetras or Synodontis catfish. However, when a pair is ready to breed, it's usually best to keep them by themselves.
How They Have Babies
When African jewelfish are ready to breed, the female changes color. She turns a deep red to show the male she is ready. The female then lays her eggs on a flat surface. She will guard her eggs very carefully. She will chase away anything that comes too close.
After a few days, the eggs will hatch. The female will continue to protect her tiny babies. A female jewelfish can lay eggs about every three weeks. Sometimes, if they feel stressed, they might even eat their own babies.
What They Eat
African jewelfish are omnivorous. This means they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat insects and small crustaceans. They also eat tiny shrimp called Caridina. They can also munch on some plants, like algae and other water weeds.
When kept as pets, African jewelfish can eat many different foods. They will usually eat commercial frozen foods, live foods, flakes, and pellets. They also enjoy algae wafers and shrimp pellets. They are known to eat algae and other bits of food that settle at the bottom of the fish tank. They are a bit like bottom-feeding fish in this way.
