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Moso river cichlid (Orthochromis mosoensis) — Cichlidae

Moso river cichlid

Orthochromis mosoensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Moso river cichlid (Orthochromis mosoensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Moso river cichlid is a riverine cichlid (Cichlidae) from the fast-flowing, rocky Malagarasi drainage in East Africa, which drains into Lake Tanganyika. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body adapted to life in current. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks and crevices and snaps at biofilm, algae and small invertebrates. It is a caring cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moso river cichlid?

The Moso river cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Moso river cichlid live?

The Moso river cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Moso river cichlid get?

The Moso river cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Moso river cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Moso river cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moso-rivier-cichlide sourced
English name
Moso river cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis mosoensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
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 Orthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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