Hemichromis Bimaculatus

Hemichromis bimaculatus

Like all Hemichromine species, H. bimaculatus 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.

Origin: Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
Maximum size: 11cm
Name derivation: bimaculatus - refers to the two spots on the flank of the fish, the first in the centre of the body, the second on caudal peduncle. This does not include the spot on the operculum.
Distinguishing Features: The true Hemichromis bimaculatus is a dark red-brown fish, it has very few irradescent spots on its flanks or gill covers and those that are visible are quite pale in colour. It has an elongated snout which gives it a more predatory appearance than other red jewel cichlids. The true H. bimaculatus is not, to my knowledge, available in Australia.

H. bimaculatus is often confused with H. guttatus, this can be seen in the Baensch Aquarium Atlas I, where the photo of H. bimaculaus is in fact, H. guttatus.

	Hemichromis bimaculatus Like all Hemichromine species, H. bimaculatus 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. Origin: Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Maximum size: 11cm Name derivation: bimaculatus - refers to the two spots on the flank of the fish, the first in the centre of the body, the second on caudal peduncle. This does not include the spot on the operculum. Distinguishing Features: The true Hemichromis bimaculatus is a dark red-brown fish, it has very few irradescent spots on its flanks or gill covers and those that are visible are quite pale in colour. It has an elongated snout which gives it a more predatory appearance than other red jewel cichlids. The true H. bimaculatus is not, to my knowledge, available in Australia. H. bimaculatus is often confused with H. guttatus, this can be seen in the Baensch Aquarium Atlas I, where the photo of H. bimaculaus is in fact, H. guttatus.	Keeping Cichlids Rare Cichlids Cichlid Names Feeding Cichlids Breeding Cichlids Importable Cichlids Cichlid Hybrids Cichlid Profiles Cichlid Companions --------- New Fish Aquarium Setup Nitrogen Cycle Aquarium Hardness Aquarium Rocks Aquarium Wood Aquarium Plants Non Aquatic Plants Live Food Dyed Fish Freighting Fish Algae --------- DIY Carbon Dioxide DIY Cichlid Food DIY Egg Tumbler DIY Tank Rack DIY Background DIY Fry Nursery DIY Brine Shrimp DIY Alternafix DIY Pot Cave --------- DIY Bucket Filter DIY Simple Filter DIY Trickle Filter DIY UG Filter DIY Fluid Bed Filter DIY Baffle Filter DIY Sponge Filter Corner Filters Filter Carbon FAQ Bio Balls Plenum -------- Aquarium Gallery