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Pugnacious dwarf cichlid (Congochromis pugnatus) — Cichlidae

Pugnacious dwarf cichlid

Congochromis pugnatus
Family: Cichlidae

The Pugnacious dwarf cichlid (Congochromis pugnatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The pugnacious dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from shaded forest streams of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with glossy spots; males colour up more brightly in the breeding season and fiercely defend their territory. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among roots and leaf litter and snaps at small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a cave brooder that protects the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pugnacious dwarf cichlid?

The Pugnacious dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Pugnacious dwarf cichlid live?

The Pugnacious dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Pugnacious dwarf cichlid get?

The Pugnacious dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Pugnacious dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pugnacious dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Strijdlustige dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Pugnacious dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Congochromis pugnatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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