Fin's Fish Guide
The Kingsley's chromidotilapia (Chromidotilapia kingsleyae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Fresh water of West-Central Africa (including Gabon and surroundings), in calm rivers, creeks and forest streams.
Description
Kingsley's chromidotilapia is a West African cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 13 cm. The laterally compressed body is golden-yellow with a bluish sheen, a shiny lengthwise stripe and, in breeding animals, a striking yellow edge to the dorsal fin; males and females differ in colour. The species comes from west-central Africa, including Gabon, and lives in quiet rivers, creeks and shaded forest streams. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae, seeds and detritus. Notable is its parental care: the species forms stable pairs and is a mouthbrooder, with mainly the male brooding the eggs and young in the mouth. Because of this behaviour and its colour it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kingsley's chromidotilapia?
The Kingsley's chromidotilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. West African cichlid with a shiny longitudinal stripe and a yellow dorsal fin edge; forms pairs and the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Kingsley's chromidotilapia live?
The Kingsley's chromidotilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of West-Central Africa (including Gabon and surroundings), in calm rivers, creeks and forest streams.
How big does the Kingsley's chromidotilapia get?
The Kingsley's chromidotilapia grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Kingsley's chromidotilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Kingsley's chromidotilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Kingsley's chromidotilapia edible?
The Kingsley's chromidotilapia is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Chromidotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Kingsley's chromidotilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kingsley's chromidotilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.