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Transvestite dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis transvestitus) — Cichlidae

Transvestite dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis transvestitus
Family: Cichlidae

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis transvestitus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1.0–1.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Mai-Ndombe dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) found only in the blackwater of Lake Mai-Ndombe in the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate body; remarkably the female is more brightly coloured than the male, with a purple-and-white banded tail. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among roots and stones and snaps at small invertebrates. It is a cave brooder that protects the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Transvestite dwarf cichlid?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Transvestite dwarf cichlid live?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Transvestite dwarf cichlid get?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Transvestite dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Transvestite dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mai-Ndombe-dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Transvestite dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis transvestitus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nanochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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