Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackface trematocara (Trematocara nigrifrons) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep zones, shallower at night.
Description
The blackface trematocara is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark forehead, to which the name refers. The genus Trematocara is remarkable for occurring among the world's deepest cichlid catches at night and for having greatly enlarged, pore-studded sensory canals on the head to detect prey in the dark. It feeds on small invertebrates and plankton. At night it moves up to shallower water to forage. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female protects the young. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackface trematocara?
The Blackface trematocara has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged sensory canals on the head for detecting prey in the dark; nocturnal vertical migration.
Where does the Blackface trematocara live?
The Blackface trematocara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep zones, shallower at night.
How big does the Blackface trematocara get?
The Blackface trematocara grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Blackface trematocara dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackface trematocara is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackface trematocara edible?
The Blackface trematocara is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Trematocara
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackface trematocara?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackface trematocara is one of 12,519 species in the app.