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Margined cichlid (Pseudosimochromis marginatus) — Cichlidae

Margined cichlid

Pseudosimochromis marginatus
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Margined cichlid (Pseudosimochromis marginatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; shallow silt-rich and rubble zones.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The margined cichlid is a medium-sized cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a stocky body with dark-edged fins, to which the name refers; courting males colour up. It inhabits shallow, sediment-rich habitats and rubble zones. It grazes growth and algae from stones with its lips and picks small invertebrates. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. Owing to a limited range the species is considered vulnerable. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Margined cichlid?

The Margined cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark-edged fins; algae-grazing maternal mouthbrooder, vulnerable because of its limited range.

Where does the Margined cichlid live?

The Margined cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; shallow silt-rich and rubble zones.

How big does the Margined cichlid get?

The Margined cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Margined cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Margined cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Margined cichlid edible?

The Margined cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Margined cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Pseudosimochromis marginatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; shallow silt-rich and rubble zones. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Biofilm, algae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark-edged fins; algae-grazing maternal mouthbrooder, vulnerable because of its limited range. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudosimochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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