Banded jewel cichlid
Introduction
The Banded Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis elongatus), also known as the Five Star General, is a striking freshwater fish admired for its vibrant coloration and dynamic behavior. Native to various African river systems, this species captivates aquarists with its unique patterns and engaging presence. However, due to its territorial nature and specific care requirements, the Banded Jewel Cichlid is best suited for aquarists with some experience in fishkeeping.
What makes the Banded Jewel Cichlid stand out in an aquarium?
Its vivid bronze scales adorned with five distinctive dark bands along its body make it a centerpiece in any tank.
Is this species suitable for beginners?
Due to its aggressive tendencies and specific care needs, it's recommended for aquarists with prior experience.
Care and Environment
Proper care of the Banded Jewel Cichlid involves attention to tank size, water parameters, diet, and tank setup to ensure a healthy and harmonious environment.
What is the minimum tank size for a Banded Jewel Cichlid?
A minimum of 110 liters is recommended for a single pair to provide adequate space and reduce territorial disputes.
What are the ideal water parameters?
Maintain a temperature between 22-25°C, a pH of 6.5-7.5, and water hardness of 5-15 dGH to replicate their natural habitat.
How should the tank be decorated?
Incorporate hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and robust plants to provide shelter and reduce stress. Ensure plants are well-rooted or potted, as this species tends to dig.
A high-quality filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, and moderate lighting is sufficient. Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are recommended to keep the environment stable.
The Banded Jewel Cichlid is carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish in the wild. In captivity, they accept live and frozen foods such as earthworms and mussels, and may also consume high-quality dried foods.
Be aware of their aggressive nature, especially during breeding periods, which may require additional monitoring and tank adjustments.
Origin and Habitat
The Banded Jewel Cichlid is widely distributed across various African river systems. It inhabits coastal rivers from the Ntem in Cameroon to the Kouilou basin in the Republic of Congo, including the Woleu, Ogowe, and Nyanga rivers. Additionally, populations are found in the Dja River, an affluent of the Middle Congo basin, and in southern African basins such as the Okavango, Zambezi, and Cuanza.
What type of environments do they prefer?
They thrive in shallow lakes and streams with sandy bottoms, roots, and stones, occasionally venturing into brackish waters of estuaries.
How does their natural habitat influence their care in captivity?
Replicating their natural environment with appropriate substrate, hiding spots, and water conditions is crucial for their well-being.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Banded Jewel Cichlid is known for its highly aggressive and territorial behavior, especially during breeding periods. They are best kept in species-specific tanks or with other large, equally aggressive fish.
Can they be kept with other fish?
While challenging, they can coexist with larger, robust species that can hold their own, such as certain catfish or other sizable cichlids.
How can aggression be managed in the tank?
Providing ample space, hiding spots, and monitoring interactions can help manage aggression. However, due to their nature, they are often best kept in pairs or species-specific setups.
Interesting Facts
The Banded Jewel Cichlid is not only admired for its beauty but also has intriguing aspects:
- They are substrate spawners, with females laying up to 800 eggs on cleaned surfaces like rocks or wood.
- Both parents exhibit intensive brood care, guarding the nest and larvae, and leading fry to different pits until they swim freely.
- In some native regions, they are used to control populations of Tilapia due to their predatory nature.
How long do they live?
With proper care, they can live up to 8 years in captivity.
Are they common in the aquarium trade?
Due to their aggressive behavior, they are less common and recommended for experienced aquarists.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 63.4 Gallon (for a pair) |
Minimum Group Size 2 |
Minimum Tank Volume 29.1 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 7.1 inch |
Average Adult Length 5.9 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) No |
Preferred Water Type Freshwater, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature Range (°C) 22-25 |
pH Range 6.5-7.5 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 5-15 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 5 years |