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Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae

Elongate lamprologus

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, along rocky shores of the lake.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is an elongate, slender predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It grows to about 15-25 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey to brownish body suited to an active hunting style. Along the lake's rocky shores it chases small fishes and shrimps. A substrate spawner, the pair lays eggs on rocks or in crevices and fiercely guards the eggs and young. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby for its striking predatory behaviour. It is harmless to people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate lamprologus?

The Elongate lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Elongate, slender predatory cichlid from Lake Tanganyika; a fast pursuer of small fishes that lays its eggs on rocks and guards them.

Where does the Elongate lamprologus live?

The Elongate lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, along rocky shores of the lake.

How big does the Elongate lamprologus get?

The Elongate lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Elongate lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate lamprologus 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.

Is the Elongate lamprologus edible?

The Elongate lamprologus is rarely eaten.

More photos

Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Pierre-Louis Stenger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Friedrich Rosian, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Martin Grimm, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate lamprologus inferred
Scientific name
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked sourced
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, along rocky shores of the lake. verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and shrimps sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Breeds all year round; the parents guard the eggs and young on the bottom. sourced
Special features
Elongate, slender predatory cichlid from Lake Tanganyika; a fast pursuer of small fishes that lays its eggs on rocks and guards them. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
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 sourced
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 Lepidiolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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