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Filament-finned petrochromis (Petrochromis trewavasae) — Cichlidae

Filament-finned petrochromis

Petrochromis trewavasae
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Filament-finned petrochromis (Petrochromis trewavasae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Trewavas's algae cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 18 cm and inhabits the shallow, rocky zone of the lake. It is extremely shy and is usually found in groups. With a broad, downward-facing dentition it scrapes the algal growth (aufwuchs) from the rocks; its long gut is adapted to this plant diet. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. Petrochromis species are strongly territorial around their grazing patches. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Filament-finned petrochromis?

The Filament-finned petrochromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Filament-finned petrochromis live?

The Filament-finned petrochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Filament-finned petrochromis get?

The Filament-finned petrochromis grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Filament-finned petrochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Filament-finned petrochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Filament-finned petrochromis edible?

The Filament-finned petrochromis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Trewavas' algencichlide sourced
English name
Filament-finned petrochromis verified
Scientific name
Petrochromis trewavasae
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Threadfin cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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
Herbivore 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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Petrochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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