Five-star General Cichlid (Hemichromis elongatus)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameHemichromis elongatus

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asBanded Jewel Cichlid, Elongatus, African Five-star

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size7 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 5-15 dGH

Appearance

Slender, elongated jewelfish with a greenish to coppery body, a row of dark blotches and reddening flanks in breeding dress; less spangled than the red jewels.

Difficulty and care for the Five-star General Cichlid

Moderate

Origin and habitat

West/Central Africa

Keeper notes

Predatory and very territorial, particularly when paired and breeding. Eats small tankmates; keep only with similarly sized robust cichlids in a large tank.

Log Five-star General Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Five-star General Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.

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