Home · Cichlidae · Pearl cichlid
Pearl cichlid (Coptodon margaritacea) — Cichlidae

Pearl cichlid

Coptodon margaritacea
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pearl cichlid (Coptodon margaritacea) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The pearl cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from southern Cameroon in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, deep body characteristic of tilapias, with a pearly sheen, to which the name refers. It inhabits rivers and streams, where it lives among bank structure and vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, plant matter and small invertebrates. It forms pairs and is an open-substratum brooder in which both parents guard the brood. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pearl cichlid?

The Pearl cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Pearl cichlid live?

The Pearl cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pearl cichlid get?

The Pearl cichlid grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Pearl cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pearl cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Pearl cichlid edible?

The Pearl cichlid is rarely eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parelmoer-cichlide sourced
English name
Pearl cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Coptodon margaritacea
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coptodon

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →