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Bellcross's cichlid (Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi) — Cichlidae

Bellcross's cichlid

Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi
Family: Cichlidae

The Bellcross's cichlid (Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Bellcross's cichlid is a cichlid endemic to the deeper, rocky water of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with glittering spots and large eyes. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches deeper rock slopes for small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bellcross's cichlid?

The Bellcross's cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bellcross's cichlid live?

The Bellcross's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia

How big does the Bellcross's cichlid get?

The Bellcross's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Bellcross's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Bellcross's 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 Bellcross's cichlid edible?

Yes, the Bellcross's cichlid is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bellcross's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Greenwoodochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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