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Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) — Cichlidae

Congo lamprologus

Lamprologus mocquardi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
The Congo River in Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Lamprologus mocquardi is an elongate cichlid from the Congo River in Central Africa. Unlike many related Lamprologus species from Lake Tanganyika, this is a true riverine species adapted to flowing water. It has a slender, brownish body and reaches about 12 cm. It lives among rocks and in crevices of fast-flowing river sections, where it shelters and hunts small invertebrates. It is a pair-bonding cave spawner: the eggs are laid in a crevice or cavity and guarded by the parents. Owing to its adaptation to river conditions the species differs from its lake-dwelling relatives.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo lamprologus?

The Congo lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Riverine form among the Lamprologus cichlids; pair-forming cave brooder in flowing water.

Where does the Congo lamprologus live?

The Congo lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. The Congo River in Central Africa.

How big does the Congo lamprologus get?

The Congo lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Congo lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo lamprologus 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.

Is the Congo lamprologus edible?

The Congo lamprologus is not usually eaten.

More photos

Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus mocquardi) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Congo lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Lamprologus mocquardi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
The Congo River in Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae 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
Riverine form among the Lamprologus cichlids; pair-forming cave brooder in flowing water. 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
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 Lamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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