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Jewel cichlid (Hemichromis guttatus)

The jewel cichlid is an introduced aquarium fish recorded in Queensland fish listings, and releases can establish populations in warm freshwater. Its territorial behaviour and predatory feeding may put native fish and aquatic invertebrates at risk.

Key facts

Type: Pest animal, fish.

Native to: West and central Africa.

Established in: .

Other names: African jewelfish, Jewelfish, Banded jewel cichlid.

Best time to act: Search during warm periods, when fish are active and their bright breeding colours and territorial behaviour may make them easier to spot.

Identification

  • It has a deep, fairly short body and a blunt head, with a continuous dorsal fin.
  • Adults are often red or orange, with bright blue-green spots across the body and fins.
  • Look for dark markings along the side, including a spot on the flank and a darker mark near the gill cover.
  • Colour and markings can become more vivid when the fish is breeding or defending a territory.
  • Look-alike: Other jewel cichlids and aquarium cichlids can have similar red colouring and iridescent spots, so confirm identification using the body markings and fin shape.

Where it lives

In Australia, look for it in warm freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, slow-flowing streams and drainage waters, particularly where aquarium fish may have been released.

Why it matters

  • It eats small fish and aquatic invertebrates, and may prey on native fish eggs and juveniles.
  • Territorial adults can harass or displace other fish from feeding and breeding areas.
  • If it establishes, it can alter local food webs and compete with native fish for food and habitat.

How it spreads

  • The main pathway is deliberate or accidental release from aquariums or garden ponds into waterways.
  • Do not move live fish, aquarium water or fish-bearing water between sites, and never use this species as bait.
  • Check and clean nets, traps and other wet equipment before moving between waterways.

Control methods

  • Do not release captured fish or move them to another waterway; seek advice from the relevant state or territory biosecurity agency.
  • Where authorised, trained crews can remove fish using suitable physical methods such as netting or trapping.
  • Use only control methods approved by the relevant authority, and handle and dispose of captured fish in accordance with its guidance.
  • Check the site again after removal and report further sightings or captures to the state or territory biosecurity agency.

Site hygiene and welfare

  • Inspect and clean nets, traps, boats, boots and other wet gear before leaving a site, and allow equipment to dry before reuse.
  • Drain water from boats and equipment at the site, and do not transfer live fish, aquarium water or untreated water between waterways.
  • Use methods set out in the national model codes of practice and standard operating procedures for the species.
  • Coordinate control with neighbours and the local government biosecurity plan, as isolated effort is quickly undone by reinvasion.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Prohibited matter. Report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours and do not move or deal with it. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: General biosecurity duty. Not prohibited matter in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not a declared pest. Not a declared pest or prohibited matter in Tasmania. Importing animals is still controlled by Biosecurity Tasmania.
  • Northern Territory: Not a declared pest. Not on an NT declared or prohibited list. Check with the NT Government before keeping, moving or releasing it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

Sources