Hemichromis elongatus

Distinguishing Features: Hemichromis elongatus belongs to a subgroup of Hemichromis (along with H. fasciatus and H. frempongi) that are distinctly larger and more predatory than the smaller jewel cichlids. H. elongatus has a longer more predatory snout is grey in colour with five distinctive black spots along the length of the body, the first on the gill cover and the last on the caudal peduncle. These spots are surrounded by small irradescent bronze scales and in sexually active fish the opercular spot is surrounded by a red colouration. This gave rise to the common name, the five star general. The fins are opaque and smoky in colour, the top of the tail margin fin sometimes has small a red mark.

Origin:Widespread in west africa.

Photo Courtesy: Jeff Rapps

Common name: Five Star General
Maximum size: 15cm
Similar species: Hemichromis fasciatus, Hemichromis frempongi
Name derivation: elongatus - refers to the elongate shape of the body.

Availability: The five star general was once available ito Australian hobbyists, however, it appears to have been lost to the hobby here in Australia.

	Hemichromis elongatus Distinguishing Features: Hemichromis elongatus belongs to a subgroup of Hemichromis (along with H. fasciatus and H. frempongi) that are distinctly larger and more predatory than the smaller jewel cichlids. H. elongatus has a longer more predatory snout is grey in colour with five distinctive black spots along the length of the body, the first on the gill cover and the last on the caudal peduncle. These spots are surrounded by small irradescent bronze scales and in sexually active fish the opercular spot is surrounded by a red colouration. This gave rise to the common name, the five star general. The fins are opaque and smoky in colour, the top of the tail margin fin sometimes has small a red mark. Origin:Widespread in west africa. Photo Courtesy: Jeff Rapps Common name: Five Star General Maximum size: 15cm Similar species: Hemichromis fasciatus, Hemichromis frempongi Name derivation: elongatus - refers to the elongate shape of the body. Availability: The five star general was once available ito Australian hobbyists, however, it appears to have been lost to the hobby here in Australia.	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