I would love some advice on breeding Jewel Cichlids. I just got a breeding pair and i need to know how to prepare them and how to get them to do it. I basicly know what to do, but if anyone has pointers, please share!
Breeding Jewels
- Thread starter KittyKat
- Start date
They are the convicts of Africa, they'll do their thing in no time. No prepping needed. Just let them be.
There are many so called "Jewel Cichlids". These are fish of the Genus Hemichromis and are from the rainforests of West Africa.
THE GENUS HEMICHROMIS
Hemichromis bimaculatus
Hemichromis cerusogaster
Hemichromis cristatas
Hemichromis elongatus
Hemichromis fasciatus
Hemichromis frempongi
Hemichromis guttatus
Hemichromis letourneauxi
Hemichromis lifaiili
Hemichromis paynei
Hernichromis stellifer
There are 7 so called Jewel Cichlids. The most common ones are Hemichromis bimaculatus and H.cristatas. Husbandry for both is the same so it matters not which one you have. SInce they have been bred for many years in the aquarium they are very adaptable to most any conditions. In south Florida both species are well established and it is so cool to see a pair tending fry along the water banks. My main suggestions are use a large a tank as you can. At least 20 gallons. Feed them meatuy foods and water changes will trigger spawning as in most neo tropical riverine Cichlids. They are excellent parents and it is a joy to watch them tend their babies. If you have time do a search for pics of the other species some are just stunning like H.lifaiili
which some consider one of the most stunning of all Tropical fish. Good luck with your new pair.
THE GENUS HEMICHROMIS
Hemichromis bimaculatus
Hemichromis cerusogaster
Hemichromis cristatas
Hemichromis elongatus
Hemichromis fasciatus
Hemichromis frempongi
Hemichromis guttatus
Hemichromis letourneauxi
Hemichromis lifaiili
Hemichromis paynei
Hernichromis stellifer
There are 7 so called Jewel Cichlids. The most common ones are Hemichromis bimaculatus and H.cristatas. Husbandry for both is the same so it matters not which one you have. SInce they have been bred for many years in the aquarium they are very adaptable to most any conditions. In south Florida both species are well established and it is so cool to see a pair tending fry along the water banks. My main suggestions are use a large a tank as you can. At least 20 gallons. Feed them meatuy foods and water changes will trigger spawning as in most neo tropical riverine Cichlids. They are excellent parents and it is a joy to watch them tend their babies. If you have time do a search for pics of the other species some are just stunning like H.lifaiili
which some consider one of the most stunning of all Tropical fish. Good luck with your new pair.