Hemichromis elongatus (Five Star General) 2.75"

A real bruiser of a cichlid, H. elongatus is not seen for sale very often, and with good reason. Pound for pound it must rank as one of the most aggressive cichlids available in the hobby. It is such an efficient predator that, in some of its native countries, it is used to control populations of Tilapia. As a result it’s definitely not recommended for the inexperienced aquarist.

The common name is derived from the row of 5 dark markings that run laterally along the flanks of the fish. It is sometimes seen for sale with other names, including ‘banded jewel cichlid’ and ‘elongate Hemichromis‘.