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Redlip river cichlid (Orthochromis rubrolabialis) — Cichlidae

Redlip river cichlid

Orthochromis rubrolabialis
Family: Cichlidae

The Redlip river cichlid (Orthochromis rubrolabialis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1.0–1.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Tanzania

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Description

The Redlip 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 Redlip river cichlid?

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

Where does the Redlip river cichlid live?

The Redlip river cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Tanzania

How big does the Redlip river cichlid get?

The Redlip river cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Redlip river cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Redlip river cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Redlip river cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis rubrolabialis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 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
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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