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Babault's cichlid (Pseudosimochromis babaulti) — Cichlidae

Babault's cichlid

Pseudosimochromis babaulti
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Babault's cichlid (Pseudosimochromis babaulti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Pseudosimochromis babaulti is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. At about 12 cm it is, together with a related species, among the smallest and hardiest cichlids of the lake. It has a streamlined, brownish body with dark cross-bars and occurs in sandy and rocky areas. As an algae-eater it grazes the aufwuchs from rocks with its mouth. The species is a mouthbrooder, in which the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth. Despite its hardiness it is sensitive to some aquarium conditions and therefore less common in the trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Babault's cichlid?

The Babault's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Babault's cichlid live?

The Babault's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Babault's cichlid get?

The Babault's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Babault's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Babault's cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Babault's cichlid edible?

The Babault's cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Babaults cichlide sourced
English name
Babault's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Pseudosimochromis babaulti
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
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 Pseudosimochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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