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Kalungwishi orthochromis (Orthochromis kalungwishiensis) — Cichlidae

Kalungwishi orthochromis

Orthochromis kalungwishiensis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Kalungwishi orthochromis (Orthochromis kalungwishiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Orthochromis kalungwishiensis is a small, current-loving cichlid from the southeastern Congo drainage in Central Africa. The species reaches about 10 cm and has an elongate, brown-grey body adapted to life in fast, clear water. It has been collected in clear, rapid streams over rocky bottoms, close to shore and down to a few metres deep. The fish grazes aufwuchs and small invertebrates from the bottom. Like other Orthochromis species it is presumably a mouthbrooder. Owing to its restricted, current-bound habitat the species is little known beyond its type range.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kalungwishi orthochromis?

The Kalungwishi orthochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Kalungwishi orthochromis live?

The Kalungwishi orthochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Kalungwishi orthochromis get?

The Kalungwishi orthochromis grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.

Is the Kalungwishi orthochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Kalungwishi orthochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Kalungwishi orthochromis edible?

The Kalungwishi orthochromis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kalungwishi-cichlide sourced
English name
Kalungwishi orthochromis sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis kalungwishiensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.9 verified
Average length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore 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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Orthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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