Fin's Fish Guide
The Horei cichlid (Ctenochromis horei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Lake Tanganyika and surrounding rivers in East Africa, in shallow, vegetated and sandy coastal zones.
Description
The horei cichlid is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae occurring in and around Lake Tanganyika in East Africa and reaching about 16 cm. The laterally compressed body is golden-yellow with a bluish sheen and faint crossbars; males are more vividly coloured and bear egg-spots on the anal fin. The species lives in shallow, vegetated and sandy shore zones of the lake and its surrounding rivers. As a hunter it eats small crustaceans, insect larvae, small fish and fish eggs. Like many cichlids of the lake it is a mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The species has been much studied for its place in the evolution of the Tanganyika cichlids.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Horei cichlid?
The Horei cichlid is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Tanganyika cichlid with faint vertical bars; the male broods the eggs in the mouth and carries egg spots on the anal fin.
Where does the Horei cichlid live?
The Horei cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Tanganyika and surrounding rivers in East Africa, in shallow, vegetated and sandy coastal zones.
How big does the Horei cichlid get?
The Horei cichlid grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Horei cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Horei cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Horei cichlid edible?
The Horei cichlid is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Horei cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horei cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ctenochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Horei cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horei cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.