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Gabon dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis gabonicus) — Cichlidae

Gabon dwarf cichlid

Parananochromis gabonicus
Family: Cichlidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Gabon dwarf cichlid (Parananochromis gabonicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West-Central Africa
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Gabon dwarf cichlid is a small cichlid from fresh water of west-central Africa, in forest streams of Gabon and Cameroon. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate body with fine colour accents on the fins and flanks. It lives in clear, shaded forest streams and is a mouthbrooder: the parents hold the eggs and young in the mouth for protection. It feeds on small invertebrates and aufwuchs. The fish appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gabon dwarf cichlid?

The Gabon dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Mouthbrooder of shady forest streams; small dwarf cichlid

Where does the Gabon dwarf cichlid live?

The Gabon dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West-Central Africa

How big does the Gabon dwarf cichlid get?

The Gabon dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Gabon dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Gabon dwarf cichlid 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 Gabon dwarf cichlid edible?

The Gabon dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Gabon dwarf cichlid verified
Scientific name
Parananochromis gabonicus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
West-Central Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and biofilm inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Mouthbrooding forest-stream cichlid; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Mouthbrooder of shady forest streams; small dwarf cichlid sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. 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 Parananochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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