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Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) — Cichlidae

Bandtail dwarf cichlid

Parananochromis caudifasciatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Coastal rivers and rainforest streams of Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Parananochromis caudifasciatus is a small Central African dwarf cichlid from coastal rivers and rainforest streams of Cameroon, Gabon and surrounding areas. The species has an elongate body and reaches about 10 cm; the species name refers to a band marking on the tail. It lives monogamously in stable pairs and is a biparental substrate spawner: the eggs are laid on a surface and cared for by both parents. The species shows some degree of sexual colour difference. It inhabits shaded, slow-flowing forest streams and feeds on small invertebrates. Little detailed information is available on its precise lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bandtail dwarf cichlid?

The Bandtail dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body. Monogamous, biparental substrate spawner with band markings on the tail.

Where does the Bandtail dwarf cichlid live?

The Bandtail dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal rivers and rainforest streams of Central Africa.

How big does the Bandtail dwarf cichlid get?

The Bandtail dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Bandtail dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Bandtail 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.

Is the Bandtail dwarf cichlid edible?

The Bandtail dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) jeanlouisamiet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Francois Libert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Francois Libert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bandtail dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis caudifasciatus) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bandtail dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Parananochromis caudifasciatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Coastal rivers and rainforest streams of Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Monogamous, biparental substrate spawner with band markings on the tail. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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

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