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Christy's lamprologus (Neolamprologus christyi) — Cichlidae

Christy's lamprologus

Neolamprologus christyi
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Christy's lamprologus (Neolamprologus christyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rock-sand transitions to ~10 m.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Christy's lamprologus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has an elongate, pale body with a marbled or mottled pattern. It is rather common where rocks border larger stretches of sand, usually in water less than 10 m deep. Among the stones it shelters in crevices and cavities. As a small bottom predator it feeds on small invertebrates and small fishes. It is a substrate and cave brooder. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Christy's lamprologus?

The Christy's lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Inhabits rock-sand transitions; substrate and cave brooder of Lake Tanganyika.

Where does the Christy's lamprologus live?

The Christy's lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rock-sand transitions to ~10 m.

How big does the Christy's lamprologus get?

The Christy's lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Christy's lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Christy's lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Christy's lamprologus edible?

The Christy's lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Christy's lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus christyi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rock-sand transitions to ~10 m. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary 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
Inhabits rock-sand transitions; substrate and cave brooder of Lake Tanganyika. 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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