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Kufferath's cichlid (Trematocara kufferathi) — Cichlidae

Kufferath's cichlid

Trematocara kufferathi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Kufferath's cichlid (Trematocara kufferathi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep water.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Kufferath's cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species is small and pale and stands out for its large head set with sensory pores, an adaptation to life in the dark, deep water of the lake. By day it keeps at great depth and at night it moves to shallower water to catch small zooplankton and small invertebrates with the aid of its sensitive lateral-line system. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kufferath's cichlid?

The Kufferath's cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large head with sensory pores; rises from deep water at night to catch plankton.

Where does the Kufferath's cichlid live?

The Kufferath's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep water.

How big does the Kufferath's cichlid get?

The Kufferath's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Kufferath's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Kufferath's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Kufferath's cichlid edible?

The Kufferath's cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Kufferath's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Trematocara kufferathi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep water. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large head with sensory pores; rises from deep water at night to catch plankton. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trematocara

More from the family Cichlidae

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