Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded sardine cichlid (Cyprichromis zonatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; open water above rocky bottoms.
Description
The banded sardine cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) found only in Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, elongate body; males colour up brightly with blue and yellow tints and dark bands. Remarkably it hovers in large schools freely in open water above steep rock walls and there snaps at zooplankton. It is a mouthbrooder that catches and broods the eggs in mid-water. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded sardine cichlid?
The Banded sardine cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Open-water sardine-like cichlid that shoals above rocks; maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Banded sardine cichlid live?
The Banded sardine cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; open water above rocky bottoms.
How big does the Banded sardine cichlid get?
The Banded sardine cichlid grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Banded sardine cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded sardine cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded sardine cichlid edible?
The Banded sardine cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded sardine cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded sardine cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.