Hemichromis lifalili

Distinguishing Features: Of all the Hemichromines, H. lifalili is perhaps the most popular and most stunning in colour. Sold in the aquarium trade along with H. cristatus as the forest jewel, H. lifalili is a commonly available species. The fish itself is bright crimson in colour when mature, and has only two spots one on the operculum and another on the flank. The spot on the caudal penduncle, present in juvenile specimens completely fades with maturation. The body is covered in hundreds of small irradescent blue spots, which are strongly marked on the caudal fin. The head is small and the snout is more angular than in H. cristatus which has a more rounded snout.

Origin: Congo, Zaire, Ruki and Ubanghi River

Photo Courtesy: Jessica L. Dion

Common name: Red Forest Jewel
Maximum size: 10cm

When selecting parent stock for breeding, it is important to choose highly coloured individuals that are preferably unrelated, as colour selection by females in the wild does not take place in the home aquarium. The picture of Hemichromis cristatus in Baensch’s Aquarium Atlas II is probably H. lifalili.

All Hemichromine species are monogamous pair formers that will spawn on a flattened stone or leaf, although some will also utilise caves if these are offered. In most species both parents play a role in fry raising, although most duties associated with young are undertaken by the female. The majority of Hemichromines are undemanding with regard to water chemistry but prefer pHs between 6.0-7.0. They do not do as well in higher pHs and therefore should not be kept with cichlids of the rift lakes. Sexing most species is difficult, although the female grows to a slightly smaller size in some species.