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Hori's cichlid (Benthochromis horii) — Cichlidae

Hori's cichlid

Benthochromis horii
Family: Cichlidae

The Hori's cichlid (Benthochromis horii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Zambia

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Description

Hori's cichlid is a cichlid endemic to the deeper, open water of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed, pearly body with fine blue and yellow lines and long fins. As an elegant plankton feeder it hovers in schools above deeper rock slopes and snaps at small zooplankton. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hori's cichlid?

The Hori's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Hori's cichlid live?

The Hori's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Zambia

How big does the Hori's cichlid get?

The Hori's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Hori's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Hori's 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
Hori's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Benthochromis horii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Zambia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Benthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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