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Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis dimidiatus) — Cichlidae

Congo dwarf cichlid

Congochromis dimidiatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis dimidiatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa, in larger rivers and lakes of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Congochromis dimidiatus is a small dwarf cichlid (family Cichlidae) of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species reaches only about 6 cm and has a streamlined, brownish body; in the breeding season the fish colour up more brightly with red and blue tones. It is known from larger rivers and lakes and lives near the bottom among shelters. Reproduction is by pair-bonding and cave-spawning, with both parents guarding the brood. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, algae and detritus. The species is harmless to humans and is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo dwarf cichlid?

The Congo dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small dwarf cichlid; pair-forming, biparental cave brooder that guards the brood.

Where does the Congo dwarf cichlid live?

The Congo dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa, in larger rivers and lakes of the Congo basin.

How big does the Congo dwarf cichlid get?

The Congo dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Congo dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Congo dwarf cichlid edible?

The Congo dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis dimidiatus) — Cichlidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Congo dwarf cichlid (Congochromis dimidiatus) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Udo Vornhusen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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All data

Identification

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

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Central Africa, in larger rivers and lakes of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small dwarf cichlid; pair-forming, biparental cave brooder that guards the brood. 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 Congochromis

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