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Elongate tylochromis (Tylochromis elongatus) — Cichlidae

Elongate tylochromis

Tylochromis elongatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Elongate tylochromis (Tylochromis elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The elongate tylochromis is a cichlid from fresh and brackish water of West Africa, in lagoons and river mouths. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, snails and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate tylochromis?

The Elongate tylochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior mouth; sieves sand for invertebrates; mouthbrooder

Where does the Elongate tylochromis live?

The Elongate tylochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa

How big does the Elongate tylochromis get?

The Elongate tylochromis grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Elongate tylochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate tylochromis 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 tylochromis edible?

The Elongate tylochromis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate tylochromis verified
Scientific name
Tylochromis elongatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
West Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, small snails and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Sand-sifting cichlid of lagoons; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Inferior mouth; sieves sand for invertebrates; mouthbrooder sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Net fishing sourced
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 Tylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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