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Ornatefin lamprologus (Lamprologus ornatipinnis) — Cichlidae

Ornatefin lamprologus

Lamprologus ornatipinnis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ornatefin lamprologus (Lamprologus ornatipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The ornatefin lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, pale body with handsomely marked, sometimes elongated fins, to which the name refers. It is too large to live in empty snail shells, but like many related species it does lay its eggs in a snail shell. It usually swims just above the sand bottom, sometimes over rock, in whose recesses it perhaps shelters. It feeds on small invertebrates. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ornatefin lamprologus?

The Ornatefin lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Ornatefin lamprologus live?

The Ornatefin lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Ornatefin lamprologus get?

The Ornatefin lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Ornatefin lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Ornatefin lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Ornatefin lamprologus edible?

The Ornatefin lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Siervin-Tanganyikacichlide sourced
English name
Ornatefin lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Lamprologus ornatipinnis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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