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Linke's cichlid (Chromidotilapia linkei) — Cichlidae

Linke's cichlid

Chromidotilapia linkei
Family: Cichlidae

The Linke's cichlid (Chromidotilapia linkei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon

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Description

Linke's cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with glittering spots and, in breeding colour, a red throat and blue sheen. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among roots and leaf litter for insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material. Remarkably both parents brood the eggs and young in the mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Linke's cichlid?

The Linke's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Linke's cichlid live?

The Linke's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Cameroon

How big does the Linke's cichlid get?

The Linke's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Linke's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Linke'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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Linke's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Chromidotilapia linkei
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

Same genus Chromidotilapia

More from the family Cichlidae

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