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Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) — Cichlidae

Congo lamprologus

Lamprologus congoensis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; the Congo River, quieter water among rocks, wood and shells.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Congo lamprologus is a cichlid from the Congo River in Central Africa. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an oblong, light-brown body with fine markings. It is somewhat less rheophilic (current-loving) than its relatives and is often found in quieter water among rocks, wood and empty shells. As a bottom searcher it picks small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes from the bottom and crevices. As a substrate and shell spawner it lays its eggs in a cavity or snail shell and the pair guards the brood. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo lamprologus?

The Congo lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Less current-loving than its relatives; substrate and shell spawner of the Congo River.

Where does the Congo lamprologus live?

The Congo lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; the Congo River, quieter water among rocks, wood and shells.

How big does the Congo lamprologus get?

The Congo lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Congo lamprologus dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Congo lamprologus edible?

The Congo lamprologus is rarely eaten.

More photos

Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Congo lamprologus (Lamprologus congoensis) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Congo lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Lamprologus congoensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Central Africa; the Congo River, quieter water among rocks, wood and shells. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae 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
Less current-loving than its relatives; substrate and shell spawner of the Congo River. 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 Lamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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