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Rock-dwelling lamprologus (Neolamprologus petricola) — Cichlidae

Rock-dwelling lamprologus

Neolamprologus petricola
Family: Cichlidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Rock-dwelling lamprologus (Neolamprologus petricola) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Lake Tanganyika
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

This rock-dwelling lamprologus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender, light brown body. It stays in the rocky shore zone, shelters among stones and crevices and hunts small invertebrates and small fish. Like other Neolamprologus it is a substrate spawner that lays its eggs on a rock surface and guards the brood. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rock-dwelling lamprologus?

The Rock-dwelling lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Rock-dweller; substrate brooder that guards the brood

Where does the Rock-dwelling lamprologus live?

The Rock-dwelling lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Tanganyika

How big does the Rock-dwelling lamprologus get?

The Rock-dwelling lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Rock-dwelling lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Rock-dwelling lamprologus 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.

Is the Rock-dwelling lamprologus edible?

The Rock-dwelling lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Rock-dwelling lamprologus verified
Scientific name
Neolamprologus petricola
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Lake Tanganyika verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and small fishes inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Rock-dwelling Tanganyika cichlid; substrate brooder. sourced
Special features
Rock-dweller; substrate brooder that guards the brood sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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