Fin's Fish Guide
The Dardenne's cichlid (Limnotilapia dardennii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Fresh water, endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, at the transition between rocky and sandy shores.
Description
Dardenne's cichlid is a robust cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 26 cm and endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The yellow-blue body bears faint dark cross-bands and shiny blue spots. The species lives at the transition between rocky and sandy shores and is a maternal mouthbrooder: after mating the female broods the fertilised eggs in her mouth and protects the young there. As an omnivore it eats algae, growth, plant matter and small invertebrates. Like the many other Tanganyika cichlids it is part of a rich, highly specialised species flock and is popular in the aquarium hobby; locally it is also a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dardenne's cichlid?
The Dardenne's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Robust Tanganyika cichlid with faint vertical bars and small shiny blue spots; a mouthbrooder of the transition zone between rock and sand.
Where does the Dardenne's cichlid live?
The Dardenne's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water, endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, at the transition between rocky and sandy shores.
How big does the Dardenne's cichlid get?
The Dardenne's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Dardenne's cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Dardenne's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dardenne's cichlid edible?
Yes, the Dardenne's cichlid is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
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