[4] These colorful fishes are popular among fishkeepers, but they are unsuitable for typical community aquariums because of their aggressive territorial behavior, especially when breeding.

[4] These fishes are found in rivers, stream and canals, especially in forested regions where vegetation overhangs the water surface.

[3][4] It has often been reported that H. bimaculatus, the true African jewelfish, is found throughout a large part of Africa, but this is–at least in part–because of taxonomic uncertainty.

For example, it has commonly been reported that the true African jewelfish, H. bimaculatus, is the species introduced to the United States, specifically Florida (and spreading), but this involves the related H.

[6] Another relative that has become popular in the aquarium trade is H. lifalili, but it is easily recognized by lacking a dark spot at the base of the tail.

[3] When the African jewelfish is ready to breed, females will turn a deep red color to let the male know.