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Congo cichlid (Pterochromis congicus) — Cichlidae

Congo cichlid

Pterochromis congicus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo cichlid (Pterochromis congicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Congo cichlid is a cichlid from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body with a fairly large mouth; it is probably a predator. It inhabits rivers and creeks of the Congo basin. As a predator it hunts small fishes and larger invertebrates. Cichlids show brood care and guard their eggs and young. Little is yet known about the precise habits of this species. The Congo cichlid is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo cichlid?

The Congo cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Congo cichlid live?

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

How big does the Congo cichlid get?

The Congo cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Congo cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Congo cichlid edible?

The Congo cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Congo-roofcichlide sourced
English name
Congo cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Pterochromis congicus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.2 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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