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Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid (Alticorpus geoffreyi) — Cichlidae

Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid

Alticorpus geoffreyi
Family: Cichlidae

The Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid (Alticorpus geoffreyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
18.0–150.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania

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Description

Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from deeper, open water of Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with large eyes and well-developed sensory canals on the head, adapted to the dim deep water. As a bottom-oriented fish it sifts over sand for small invertebrates and zooplankton. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid?

The Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid live?

The Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania

How big does the Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid get?

The Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Geoffrey's deepwater 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Geoffrey's deepwater cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Alticorpus geoffreyi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
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 Alticorpus

More from the family Cichlidae

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