Fin's Fish Guide
The Featherfin cichlid (Ophthalmotilapia boops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The featherfin cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm; males have greatly elongated, thread-like pelvic fins with yellow swollen tips, characteristic of featherfin cichlids. It lives along rocky slopes of the lake, where it hunts plankton in the open water column. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the male lures the female to a sand nest and the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Featherfin cichlid?
The Featherfin cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Male with filamentous pelvic fins with yellow tips; plankton eater and maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Featherfin cichlid live?
The Featherfin cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes.
How big does the Featherfin cichlid get?
The Featherfin cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Featherfin cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Featherfin cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Featherfin cichlid edible?
The Featherfin cichlid is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ophthalmotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Featherfin cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Featherfin cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.