Identification
Four or five dark blotches or oval bars run along the side. Olive and yellow tones are crossed by fine reddish markings. Large dark males can obscure the normal bands. Gill-cover spots and the absence of certain small flank dots help distinguish related jewel cichlids.
Range and Habitat
Well-supported records include Lower Guinea coastal rivers and the Dja system. Broader African population assignments have received differing taxonomic interpretations. Shallow lakes and streams are reported habitat, but not every African jewelfish belongs to this species.
Predation and Young
Adults take fish, shrimp and aquatic insects. Pairs deposit eggs on substrate and guard the nest and larvae. The maximum standard length is 18.7 centimeters; its relatively modest size does not imply gentle behavior around other fishes.
Do Not Rely on Blotches Alone
Several related cichlids carry dark body marks. Compare the gill-cover pattern, finer spotting and geographic origin as well.
All Lakes With Fiveblotch Jewelfish
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Fiveblotch Jewelfish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.