Dempsy OR Jewel?

[RyJ]

Both fish are very colourful....obviously more so when they are spawning.... but I think I like the Jack Dempsy more because it is bulky: bigger lips, bigger body, etc...

 

[Vitaliy]

I think they are simply better looking, this is a little guy I saved..

 

[cyberbeer65]

I agree with the above post.

 

[Karnaaj]

There is a big difference in max size between the two, with the dempsey being the larger.

 

[oztun]

Well I'm currently considering and studying africans, but I vote Dempseys cause I like the way they look more than Jewels.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Well, I'm housing them both together and I honestly can say they both are equally beautiful fish....especially the jewels when they are in breeding color...absolutely stunning.

My jewels look very similar to these guys. Though mine have the 2nd spot over the flank unlike these with just a single spot on the gill plate.

 

[RyJ]

Well, I'm housing them both together and I honestly can say they both are equally beautiful fish....especially the jewels when they are in breeding color...absolutely stunning.

My jewels look very similar to these guys.

Very nice looking fish!

Those are Red Jewel Cichlids. They are a colour morph....and to be honest, I REALLY wish I could find them in my area. I would love to have a breeding pair.

I'd also like to be able to find Electric Blue Dempsies.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

There are at least 11 species of 'Jewels' of the genus Hemichromis...many of these species are interbred and are hybrids in the aquarium trade. My particular Jewels are 'Hemichromis lifalil' or the 'Red Forest Jewel'...and yes they are among the most popular of the Jewels...though I'm not sure it is a 'morph' in the true sense of the word.

Here is a good reference to the Hemichromis genus.
http://www.sydneycichlid.com/old_scp/hemichromis.html#C

 

[RyJ]

There are at least 11 species of 'Jewels' of the genus Hemichromis...many of these species are interbred and are hybrids in the aquarium trade. My particular Jewels are 'Hemichromis lifalil' or the 'Red Forest Jewel'...and yes they are among the most popular of the Jewels...though I'm not sure it is a 'morph' in the true sense of the word.

Here is a good reference to the Hemichromis genus.
http://www.sydneycichlid.com/old_scp/hemichromis.html#C

Thanks for that bit of information!
Very interesting.

Ya, I really enjoy the red colour of the Jewel Cichlids you have.
The common names of all these fish varies. All the books I have say that they are called "Red Jewels".

I'm glad the site you offered has the scientific names for all the different types

 

[Slappy*McFish]

My Jewels just laid eggs today. :dance