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Brichard's cichlid (Teleogramma brichardi) — Cichlidae

Brichard's cichlid

Teleogramma brichardi
Family: Cichlidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Brichard's cichlid (Teleogramma brichardi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to the rapids of the lower Congo in Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Brichard's cichlid is a cichlid endemic to the rapids of the lower Congo in Central Africa. The species has an elongate, flattened body with a reduced swim bladder, adapted to life on the bottom of very fast-flowing water; females bear a conspicuous white margin on the fins. It is rheophilic and keeps among rock crevices. As a bottom fish it picks small invertebrates and growth. It forms pairs and is a cave brooder. Owing to threats to its habitat it is considered critically endangered. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brichard's cichlid?

The Brichard's cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Reduced swim bladder for life in rapids; female with a white fin margin; cave brooder, critically endangered.

Where does the Brichard's cichlid live?

The Brichard's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to the rapids of the lower Congo in Central Africa.

How big does the Brichard's cichlid get?

The Brichard's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Brichard's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Brichard's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Brichard's cichlid edible?

The Brichard's cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brichard's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Teleogramma brichardi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to the rapids of the lower Congo in Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
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
Reduced swim bladder for life in rapids; female with a white fin margin; cave brooder, critically endangered. 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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