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Tsimoly cichlid (Paretroplus tsimoly) — Cichlidae

Tsimoly cichlid

Paretroplus tsimoly
Family: Cichlidae

The Tsimoly cichlid (Paretroplus tsimoly) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–2.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Tsimoly cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Madagascar. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, powerful, grey-brown body, in breeding individuals with red or dark tints. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand, mud and among rocks for snails, insect larvae and small invertebrates. It is a caring parental brooder. Many related species are critically endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tsimoly cichlid?

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

Where does the Tsimoly cichlid live?

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

How big does the Tsimoly cichlid get?

The Tsimoly cichlid grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Tsimoly cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Tsimoly cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tsimoly-damba sourced
English name
Tsimoly cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Paretroplus tsimoly
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Blue-lipped Madagascar cichlid sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Paretroplus

More from the family Cichlidae

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