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Rugufu river cichlid (Orthochromis rugufuensis) — Cichlidae

Rugufu river cichlid

Orthochromis rugufuensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Rugufu river cichlid (Orthochromis rugufuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Rugufu 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 Rugufu river cichlid?

The Rugufu river cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Rugufu river cichlid live?

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

How big does the Rugufu river cichlid get?

The Rugufu river cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Rugufu river cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Rugufu river cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rugufu-rivier-cichlide sourced
English name
Rugufu river cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis rugufuensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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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