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Graceful lamprologus (Neolamprologus gracilis) — Cichlidae

Graceful lamprologus

Neolamprologus gracilis
Family: Cichlidae

The Graceful lamprologus (Neolamprologus gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Graceful lamprologus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, slender and yellow-brown with fine stripes body. As a territorial rock-dweller it shelters among stones, crevices and empty snail shells and snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. Both parents guard the brood in a cavity. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Graceful lamprologus?

The Graceful lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Graceful lamprologus live?

The Graceful lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Graceful lamprologus get?

The Graceful lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Graceful lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Graceful 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Graceful lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus gracilis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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