Fin's Fish Guide
The Longspine xenotilapia (Xenotilapia longispinis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The longspine xenotilapia is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a slender, pearly body. Adults live over sandy bottoms, solitarily or in pairs, and also form schools. With its mouth it sifts sand to extract small invertebrates and organic matter. As a mouthbrooder a parent protects the eggs and young in the mouth; in Xenotilapia the care is often biparental. The species is popular in the aquarium. Owing to its habits it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longspine xenotilapia?
The Longspine xenotilapia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sand-sifting cichlid of Lake Tanganyika, often with biparental mouthbrooding.
Where does the Longspine xenotilapia live?
The Longspine xenotilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sandy bottoms.
How big does the Longspine xenotilapia get?
The Longspine xenotilapia grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Longspine xenotilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Longspine xenotilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longspine xenotilapia edible?
The Longspine xenotilapia is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xenotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Longspine xenotilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longspine xenotilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.