Hemichromis stellifer

Hemichromis stellifer seems to be absolutely undemanding to the water parameters, although in the wild it is mostly found in soft and acidic waters.

These cichlids show a very territorial behaviour, so it is recomended to decorate the biotope tank with plenty of caves and flat rocks in order to allow them to establish their own territory. Harmonizing pairs are usually very peaceful against each other.

Jewel cichlids have a tendency to dig in the substrate which can disturb live plants.

Hemichromis stellifer is a very colorful species with fascinating behaviour that belongs to the more peaceful members of its kind. The sexual dimorphism is limited so the females can be as bright as the males, though male jewel cichlids might have more pointed anal, ventral and dorsal fins. If conditioned correctly, their colors become even more intense during the breeding.

In Nature this species that lives in creeks, rivulets and other small habitats, feeding on insects, larvae, small crustaceans and detritus.

In the aquarium Jewel Cichlids will eat just about anything you offer them – flakes or pellets and supplement it with various live and frozen foods. They also accept fresh vegetables such as the special freeze-dried seaweed, freshly seared spinach, lettuce, banana.

Normally they would breed in the biotope community tank. The female spawns on a surface such as a stones, rocks, roots, or plant leaves.

Such a supplement of various live and frozen foods is especially important if you want to condition them for breeding. In this case, focus more on live and frozen foods.

Hemichromis stellifer form monogamous breeding pairs.  Both parents guard the eggs, and participate in fry raising.

The hatching takes place after three to five days. After another six or seven days the babyfish start to swim freely and can be fed with brine shrimp nauplii.  The parents dedicate to parental care of their babies another month.

They can act agressive against tankmates, while having young.