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Haplochromine cichlid (Ctenochromis oligacanthus) — Cichlidae

Haplochromine cichlid

Ctenochromis oligacanthus
Family: Cichlidae

The Haplochromine cichlid (Ctenochromis oligacanthus) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The haplochromine cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Central Africa. The species has an elongate body; courting males show brighter colours than the more inconspicuous females. It inhabits shore waters of rivers and lakes, where it lives among vegetation and bottom structure. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Haplochromine cichlid?

The Haplochromine cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Haplochromine cichlid live?

The Haplochromine cichlid is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Haplochromine cichlid get?

The Haplochromine cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.

Is the Haplochromine cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Haplochromine cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Haplochromine cichlid edible?

The Haplochromine cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Weinigstekel-cichlide sourced
English name
Haplochromine cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Ctenochromis oligacanthus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.7 verified
Average length (cm)
5.0 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 Ctenochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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