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Cichlid (Orthochromis stormsi) — Cichlidae

Cichlid

Orthochromis stormsi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Cichlid (Orthochromis stormsi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin in Central Africa; fast-flowing river sections with a rocky bottom.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Storms's cichlid is an African cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has an elongate, streamlined body, adapted to life in flowing water. It is rheophilic and inhabits fast-flowing river stretches with a rocky bottom. It feeds mainly on algae and growth it rasps from stones; animal matter is rarely taken. The species is polygamous and a maternal mouthbrooder. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cichlid?

The Cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Current-loving river cichlid that rasps algae from stones; maternal mouthbrooder.

Where does the Cichlid live?

The Cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; fast-flowing river sections with a rocky bottom.

How big does the Cichlid get?

The Cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Cichlid edible?

The Cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis stormsi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.2 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Congo basin in Central Africa; fast-flowing river sections with a rocky bottom. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly algae and biofilm from stones; rarely animal material 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
Current-loving river cichlid that rasps algae from stones; maternal mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or 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 Orthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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