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Kungwe cichlid (Lamprologus kungweensis) — Cichlidae

Kungwe cichlid

Lamprologus kungweensis
Family: Cichlidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Kungwe cichlid (Lamprologus kungweensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Lake Tanganyika
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Kungwe cichlid is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, from Kungwe Bay to Bujumbura and Kalemie. The species grows to about 8 cm and lives on flat mud bottoms, where it digs numerous holes about a centimetre wide and twelve centimetres deep; its presence is revealed by these holes. It feeds by digging for zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is a habitat specialist. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kungwe cichlid?

The Kungwe cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Digs numerous small holes in muddy bottoms; habitat specialist

Where does the Kungwe cichlid live?

The Kungwe cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Tanganyika

How big does the Kungwe cichlid get?

The Kungwe cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Kungwe cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Kungwe 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.

Is the Kungwe cichlid edible?

The Kungwe cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Kungwe cichlid verified
Scientific name
Lamprologus kungweensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
Lake Tanganyika verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Zooplankton and small invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Bottom-digging lake cichlid; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Digs numerous small holes in muddy bottoms; habitat specialist 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
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 Lamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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