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Lemaire's cichlid (Grammatotria lemairii) — Cichlidae

Lemaire's cichlid

Grammatotria lemairii
Family: Cichlidae

The Lemaire's cichlid (Grammatotria lemairii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Lemaire's cichlid is a cichlid from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 26 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an extended snout. As a bottom-dweller it lives over extensive sand flats of the shallow shore zone and sifts mouthfuls of sand, filtering out small invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder that can build large nest pits over the sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lemaire's cichlid?

The Lemaire's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body.

Where does the Lemaire's cichlid live?

The Lemaire's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia

How big does the Lemaire's cichlid get?

The Lemaire's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Lemaire's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Lemaire'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.

Is the Lemaire's cichlid edible?

Yes, the Lemaire's cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Lemaire's cichlid (Grammatotria lemairii) — Cichlidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Lemaire's cichlid (Grammatotria lemairii) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — George Albert Boulenger (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Lemaire's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Grammatotria lemairii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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