Fin's Fish Guide
The Boulenger's xenotilapia (Xenotilapia boulengeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
Xenotilapia boulengeri is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 15 cm and has a fusiform, silvery-grey body. It lives over sandy bottoms, often in pairs but also in schools, and sifts small prey from the sand. Its diet consists mainly of copepods and small shrimps. Notable is its biparental mouthbrooding: both male and female take turns brooding the eggs and young in the mouth. The species is harmless, is fished locally and is popular in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Boulenger's xenotilapia?
The Boulenger's xenotilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Biparental mouthbrooder; sieves prey from sandy bottoms; endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Where does the Boulenger's xenotilapia live?
The Boulenger's xenotilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
How big does the Boulenger's xenotilapia get?
The Boulenger's xenotilapia grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Boulenger's xenotilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Boulenger's xenotilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Boulenger's xenotilapia edible?
Yes, the Boulenger's xenotilapia is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Xenotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Boulenger's xenotilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.