Fin's Fish Guide
The African jewelfish (Hemichromis letourneuxi) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The African jewelfish is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from North and West Africa. The species has a stocky body that colours up bright red-brown in the breeding season with numerous shiny blue spots, to which the name refers. It inhabits rivers, lakes, swamps and oasis waters. As a fierce ambush hunter it feeds on small fishes, insects and invertebrates. It forms pairs and is a caring, territorial brood-tender. It has been introduced elsewhere outside its native range. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African jewelfish?
The African jewelfish is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Spawning colour bright red-brown with blue spots; fierce, territorial brood-carer.
Where does the African jewelfish live?
The African jewelfish is mostly found around mixed bottom. North and West Africa; rivers, lakes, swamps and oasis waters.
How big does the African jewelfish get?
The African jewelfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the African jewelfish dangerous to humans?
No, the African jewelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African jewelfish edible?
The African jewelfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the African jewelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African jewelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.