JEWELFISH
A small and brilliantly colored tropical fish in the cichlid family. Jewelfishes are found in warm waters in west, central, and north Africa, but several species, particularly Hemichromis bimaculatus, are popular aquarium fish. In general body shape, jewelfishes resemble the North American sunfish. Under natural conditions they grow to a length of 8 inches (20 cm), but in aquariums seldom reach more than 4 inches (10 cm). When in good condition, jewelfishes are beautifully colored. The coloration may vary from gold or red to a greenish hue, and the colors change frequently in either sex. Generally, the males are brighter. On the gill cover are large jewellike markings. Like many other members of the cichlid family, the jewel¬fishes are rather savage, making them, unsuitable for a community aquarium. In fact, the male may kill the female unless sufficient vegetation is present to afford her protection. A favorite breeding place in the aquarium is an overturned flower pot. The male chooses a territory and defends it. After a courtship which resembles a tug-of-war as the couple lock their jaws and push each other, the female lays her eggs on a cleared area. She is followed closely by the male who fertilizes the eggs; this process is repeated until more than 300 eggs are laid. Subsequently the eggs are guarded and kept clean by the parents, one parent at a time. The young fish may also be guarded by the parents. The young grow rapidly and after about six weeks must be sep¬arated, as they may begin to attack each other. The banded jewelfish, H. fasciatus, is yellowish with a reddish sheen and reaches a length of about 10 inches (25 cm). Its habits re¬semble those of the former species. Jewelfishes make up the genus Hemichromis of the family Cichlidae.
