Turquoise jewels

[Fishenvy]

My pair of turquoise have spawned again. These two are simply stunning. I haven't been able to catch them in time to grab the eggs before the tank mates get to them.

I think this time I will separate them early. Maybe when the eyes become visible would be the best time. Any thoughts?

 

[tlindsey]

My pair of turquoise have spawned again. These two are simply stunning. I haven't been able to catch them in time to grab the eggs before the tank mates get to them.

I think this time I will separate them early. Maybe when the eyes become visible would be the best time. Any thoughts?

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You could remove the eggs if they are laid on a stone or Ornaments. Wiggler's and free swimming fry can be siphoned out with sterile tubing. I suggest seeding a sponge filter prior to moving them to a hatchery aquarium.

 

[ryansmith83]

FYI, these are actually a West African cichlid.

 

[Fishenvy]

FYI, these are actually a West African cichlid.

I literally just read that. They have always looked SA/CA to me

 

[ryansmith83]

I literally just read that. They have always looked SA/CA to me

There are a few West African species that are very similar to New World cichlids, in both appearance and water parameters. Pelmatochromis comes to mind. One tell is that they have the "ear spot" (I call it the "tilapia spot") on the gill, the black blotch at the top of the gill cover. This is usually a West African feature and isn't usually seen in SA fish.

 

[Fishenvy]

There are a few West African species that are very similar to New World cichlids, in both appearance and water parameters. Pelmatochromis comes to mind. One tell is that they have the "tilapia spot" on the gill, the black blotch at the top of the gill cover. This is usually a West African feature and isn't usually seen in SA fish.

To me they look like bluegill or pumpkin seeds. They also have the same marking..

Also I haven't seen jewels kept with other Africans. I usually see them in with Sa/Ca's

 

[tlindsey]

To me they look like bluegill or pumpkin seeds. They also have the same marking..

Also I haven't seen jewels kept with other Africans. I usually see them in with Sa/Ca's

Most African Cichlids are from the lakes of Africa. Jewel Cichlid are a riverine specie.

 

[ryansmith83]

^ Yeah, the jewels don't belong with Rift Lake cichlids. They're a central African species that are widespread through the Congo basin. There is a whole world of African cichlids, particularly from west Africa, that are nothing like Rift Lake fish. Think kribs (Pelvicachromis), Enigmatochromis, and the very South American-looking Heterchromis multidens. These are often found in small streams or rivers rather than the Rift Lakes, some from soft-to-neutral water versus the hard and alkaline conditions of the Rift Lakes.

The one thing I will say is that their temperament is still not a mix for most SA fish. Jewels will gladly shred similarly-sized New World cichlids. My local LFS always puts jewels in with things like young firemouths and Jack Dempseys, and the firemouths and JDs always end up finless and beaten. I don't know why they insist on doing that.

 

[Fishenvy]

^ Yeah, the jewels don't belong with Rift Lake cichlids. There is a whole world of African cichlids, particularly from west Africa, that are nothing like Rift Lake fish. Think kribs (Pelvicachromis), Enigmatochromis, and the very South American-looking Heterchromis multidens. These are often found in small streams or rivers rather than the Rift Lakes, some from soft-to-neutral water versus the hard and alkaline conditions of the Rift Lakes.

The one thing I will say is that their temperament is still not a mix for most SA fish. Jewels will gladly shred similarly-sized New World cichlids. My local LFS always puts jewels in with things like young firemouths and Jack Dempseys, and the firemouths and JDs always end up finless and beaten. I don't know why they insist on doing that.

I got mine with 10"+ cichlids and they demand respect. Even my male flowerhorn will not come close to them. They have lived happily with my larger cichlids now for almost 6 months.

Where can I learn more about these fish? You & Thomas both seem to be extremely knowledgeable.

 

[tlindsey]

I got mine with 10"+ cichlids and they demand respect. Even my male flowerhorn will not come close to them. They have lived happily with my larger cichlids now for almost 6 months.

Where can I learn more about these fish? You & Thomas both seem to be extremely knowledgeable.

Thanks for the kind words. What do you want to know about them?