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Blackdorsal cichlid (Benitochromis nigrodorsalis) — Cichlidae

Blackdorsal cichlid

Benitochromis nigrodorsalis
Family: Cichlidae

The Blackdorsal cichlid (Benitochromis nigrodorsalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Blackdorsal cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from fresh water of coastal rivers of Cameroon and nearby in West Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown to olive body with glittering spots and, in breeding colour, blue and reddish tints. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among roots and leaf litter for insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackdorsal cichlid?

The Blackdorsal cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blackdorsal cichlid live?

The Blackdorsal cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blackdorsal cichlid get?

The Blackdorsal cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Blackdorsal cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackdorsal cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartrug-cichlide sourced
English name
Blackdorsal cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Benitochromis nigrodorsalis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Benitochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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