Home · Cichlidae · Axelrod's dwarf cichlid
Axelrod's dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis axelrodi) — Cichlidae

Axelrod's dwarf cichlid

Parananochromis axelrodi
Family: Cichlidae

The Axelrod's dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis axelrodi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Gabon

Want the complete picture on the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid?

Get the app

Description

The Axelrod's dwarf cichlid is a small cichlid (Cichlidae) from slow-flowing forest streams and rivers of western Central Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown to olive body, in breeding individuals with blue or red tints. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among roots, leaf litter and sand for small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a caring parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid?

The Axelrod's dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid live?

The Axelrod's dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Gabon

How big does the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid get?

The Axelrod's dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Axelrod's dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Parananochromis axelrodi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Gabon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Parananochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Axelrod's dwarf cichlid? Get the app