The jewelfishes from Africa are some of the most beautiful, and most bellicose, of the cichlids. While bimaculatus
was the original jewelfish introduced into the hobby many years ago,
there are now a number of other species available. They all behave the
same and require the same conditions. Being from western Africa, they
need softer, more acidic water than the cichlids of the rift lakes in
eastern Africa.
This is definitely not a community fish. In fact, when it matures,
and most especially when it is breeding, there is virtually no other
fish that can be in the tank with it. But its beauty and behavior make
it worthwhile to consider keeping a tank just for it.
The jewelfish breeds in the typical cichlid manner, laying a large
mass of eggs on a flat surface on the bottom of the tank, and defending
the spawn and the babies against all comers. When it is in breeding
color, the jewelfish is absolutely stunning — the reds become incredibly
intense and the spangles of other colors give it an almost psychedelic
appearance. Breeding begins with these colors appearing, and with the
fish tearing up the entire tank with its digging.
