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Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae

Congo sandsifter cichlid

Tylochromis lateralis
Family: Cichlidae

The Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon, Congo, Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Congo sandsifter cichlid is a cichlid from the Congo basin of Central Africa. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a blunt head and thick lips. As a bottom-dweller it sifts mouthfuls of sediment over sand and mud bottoms of rivers and bank zones, filtering out molluscs, small invertebrates and plant material. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo sandsifter cichlid?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Congo sandsifter cichlid live?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Cameroon, Congo, Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Congo sandsifter cichlid get?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Congo sandsifter cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo sandsifter 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.

More photos

Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Tobit Liyandja, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Dale Kindler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — John P. Friel Ph.D. (CC BY 4.0)
Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Congo sandsifter cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Tylochromis lateralis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon, Congo, 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 inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Tylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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