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Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) — Cichlidae

Bosumtwi jewel cichlid

Hemichromis frempongi
Family: Cichlidae
NativeIntroduced

The Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Bosumtwi jewel cichlid is a cichlid endemic to crater lake Bosumtwi in Ghana, in West Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, red-brown body with glittering blue spots and, especially in breeding colour, a bright-red cast. As a bottom-oriented predator it hunts insects, crustaceans and small fish in the clear lake. Both parents fiercely guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bosumtwi jewel cichlid?

The Bosumtwi jewel cichlid is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bosumtwi jewel cichlid live?

The Bosumtwi jewel cichlid is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bosumtwi jewel cichlid get?

The Bosumtwi jewel cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bosumtwi jewel cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Bosumtwi jewel cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Karsten Mody, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bosumtwi jewel cichlid (Hemichromis frempongi) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Luke Kemp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bosumtwi jewel cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Hemichromis frempongi
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Banded jewelfish; Cichlid; Five-spot cichlid

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15 sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hemichromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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