Fin's Fish Guide
The Hecqui's lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus hecqui) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sandy bottoms with empty snail shells.
Description
Hecqui's lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an oblong, pale body with fine dark markings. It is a shell dweller: it lives on sandy bottoms strewn with empty snail shells, in which it shelters and lays its eggs. As a small ambush predator it feeds on small invertebrates and small fishes. The pair or the female fiercely guards the brood in and around the shell. The species is popular in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hecqui's lamprologus?
The Hecqui's lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Shell dweller that shelters and spawns in empty snail shells on the sandy bottom of Lake Tanganyika.
Where does the Hecqui's lamprologus live?
The Hecqui's lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sandy bottoms with empty snail shells.
How big does the Hecqui's lamprologus get?
The Hecqui's lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Hecqui's lamprologus dangerous to humans?
No, the Hecqui's lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hecqui's lamprologus edible?
The Hecqui's lamprologus is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepidiolamprologus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Hecqui's lamprologus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hecqui's lamprologus is one of 12,519 species in the app.