Fin's Fish Guide
The Brien's sardine cichlid (Paracyprichromis brieni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
Brien's sardine cichlid is a slender cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 11 cm, has an elongate, bluish body with fine lateral stripes and an upturned mouth. It is highly social and forms schools of several hundred fish that hover in the open water column just above rocky slopes. There the fish feeds on zooplankton. Like many Tanganyika cichlids the species is a maternal mouthbrooder, the female carrying the eggs and young in her mouth. Because of its graceful schooling behaviour it is popular with aquarists.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brien's sardine cichlid?
The Brien's sardine cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Forms shoals of hundreds of individuals above rocky slopes; maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Brien's sardine cichlid live?
The Brien's sardine cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
How big does the Brien's sardine cichlid get?
The Brien's sardine cichlid grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Brien's sardine cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Brien's sardine cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brien's sardine cichlid edible?
Yes, the Brien's sardine cichlid is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paracyprichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Brien's sardine cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brien's sardine cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.