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Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis squamiceps) — Cichlidae

Congo dwarf cichlid

Congochromis squamiceps
Family: Cichlidae

The Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis squamiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Congo dwarf cichlid is a small West African cichlid from the Congo basin. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky body; in courtship the fish flush with blue and reddish hues and a scaled head. As a bottom-dweller it lives in forested streams and bank zones and searches for small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is a cave brooder that guards its young. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo dwarf cichlid?

The Congo dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body.

Where does the Congo dwarf cichlid live?

The Congo dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Congo dwarf cichlid get?

The Congo dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Congo dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Congo dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Congochromis squamiceps
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Congochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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