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Obscure lamprologus (Neolamprologus obscurus) — Cichlidae

Obscure lamprologus

Neolamprologus obscurus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Obscure lamprologus (Neolamprologus obscurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
6.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Obscure lamprologus is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate body adapted to life among the rocks and crevices of the steep, rocky shore zone. As a territorial bottom-dweller it shelters and breeds in cavities and snaps at small invertebrates, insect larvae and biofilm. Many related species are caring cave brooders. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Obscure lamprologus?

The Obscure lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Obscure lamprologus live?

The Obscure lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Obscure lamprologus get?

The Obscure lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Obscure lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Obscure lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Obscure lamprologus edible?

The Obscure lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Donkere lamprologus sourced
English name
Obscure lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus obscurus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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