Our current import from Guinea contained also two "classical" red jewel cichlids. They were sent under the names of H. letourneauxi and H. cristatus, respectively. Initially we fully agreed with those determinations. The H. letourneauxi showed all features typical for the species, the comparatively elongate body and the lateral spot placed comparatively far in direction of the caudal. But now, after three weeks, we have doubts in respect of the H. cristatus. Indeed most specimens show the bright golden ring around the lateral spot, which is so typical for H. cristatus. But all other features indicate rather that the "H. cristatus" are also a color variety of H. letourneauxi, although they also have a larger amount of shining spots (iriodophores).

 

A very special feature in our new importations is the appearance of specimens with a double spot on the flank. Moreover, the spot often runs up to the dorsal. Both features are very unusual for Hemichromis. However, the double spot usually appears only on one side of the body, on the other side is only one spot. Moreover, if one observes only enough specimens, one can find any thinkable transition between these extremes and "regular" H. letourneauxi. Nevertheless it is possible that our new importations represent a species new to science.

 

Our largest specimens are about 8 cm long. Animals with a length of about 4-5 cm are sexually differentiated already. However, one must be aware that these fish will reach a total length of 10-12 cm in home aquaria, maybe even 15 cm in extraordinary old and large males.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 536502 (letourneauxi variety) and code 536322 (cristatus variety) on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hemichromis letourneuxi – Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia 

 

Hemichromis letourneuxi (Jewel Fish)