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Black lamprologus (Neolamprologus niger) — Cichlidae

Black lamprologus

Neolamprologus niger
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black lamprologus (Neolamprologus niger) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
6.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich rocky zone.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The black lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an oblong, dark to blackish body. It lives in the crevices of the sediment-rich, rocky biotope of the lake, where it shelters. As a bottom searcher it picks molluscs, small invertebrates and growth from the crevices and rocks. As a substrate spawner it lays its eggs in a cavity or crevice and the pair guards the brood. The species is popular with advanced aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black lamprologus?

The Black lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Dark to blackish body; lives in the crevices of the rocky zone, substrate brooder.

Where does the Black lamprologus live?

The Black lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich rocky zone.

How big does the Black lamprologus get?

The Black lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Black lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Black lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black lamprologus edible?

The Black lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Black lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus niger
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich rocky zone. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Molluscs, small invertebrates and biofilm 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
Dark to blackish body; lives in the crevices of the rocky zone, substrate brooder. 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
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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