Star-Spangled Jewel (Hemichromis stellifer) Care Guide
Hemichromis stellifer is a small Congo-basin jewel cichlid with a red body and iridescent blue spotting, a pair-bonding substrate brooder.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hemichromis stellifer is a jewel cichlid described by Loiselle in 1979 and native to the Congo River basin in central Africa. It belongs to the smaller, more colourful members of the jewel-cichlid group, reaching about 10 cm in standard length. Following a 2022 taxonomic revision, the true jewel cichlids of this lineage are also placed in the genus Rubricatochromis, so the species is sometimes listed as Rubricatochromis stellifer.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Hemichromis
- Scientific name: Hemichromis stellifer
- Synonym: Rubricatochromis stellifer
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs across central Africa from Equatorial Guinea to Cabinda, including central Gabon and the Congo River from Pool Malebo (Stanley Pool) to its estuary. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish that inhabits creeks, streams and rivers, generally avoiding the swiftest sections of the Congo rapids.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The species is carnivorous, with FishBase reporting a trophic level of about 3.4. In the aquarium it accepts meaty prepared and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, fed twice daily in modest portions.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive, middle-water cichlid that is best kept as a bonded pair, ideally in a single-species tank or with robust West African companions such as larger Synodontis catfish. It is not safe with live plants and should be kept away from Rift Lake mbuna, hard-water cichlids, dwarf cichlids and slow-moving fish.
Breeding
Hemichromis stellifer is a pair-bonding substrate brooder. As in other jewel cichlids, the female deposits eggs on a flat surface such as a stone or leaf, and both parents guard the eggs and raise the fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009).
Hemichromis stellifer Breeding Guide
Overview
Hemichromis stellifer is a jewel cichlid of the Congo basin, recorded from Equatorial Guinea to Cabinda, central Gabon, the western Republic of Congo and the Congo River from Pool Malebo to its estuary. FishBase gives a maximum standard length of 10 cm and lists it as a pair-bonding substrate brooder. It is a red, blue-spotted jewel with a carnivorous trophic level around 3.4.
Sexing
As a Hemichromis jewel cichlid the sexes are similar in pattern, and the most reliable approach is to grow on a group and let a pair form. Females in spawning condition fill out with eggs. As in related jewels, intensified red coloration accompanies breeding.
Conditioning
With a carnivorous trophic level, this jewel is conditioned on meaty live and frozen foods. Like other jewels it is an adaptable feeder, so a well-fed, settled pair readily reaches breeding condition.
Breeding Setup
FishBase records a temperature range of 22-26 C for the species in freshwater. Following the Hemichromis pattern, provide a tank with flat stones and cover so the pair can claim an open spawning surface and defend a territory around it.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase classifies the species as a pair-bonding substrate brooder, meaning the bonded pair spawns onto a surface such as a flat stone rather than in a cave. As with related jewels, a securely bonded pair in stable warm water is the trigger for spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
Brood care follows the jewel pattern of biparental guarding, with both parents tending the eggs and then the free-swimming fry, which take small foods. In the well-documented related jewel Hemichromis lifalili the female is the main caregiver while the male helps once the eggs hatch, and parents lead the free-swimming fry around the territory. Specific egg counts and developmental timings for H. stellifer itself are not detailed in the consulted sources and so are omitted.
Common Challenges
Like other jewels, the species is aggressive when breeding, so the tank needs space and structure and tankmates should be robust. Because species-level breeding data is limited, keepers should plan for the general jewel-cichlid pattern of a defended spawning territory and biparental fry care.