Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand-sifter cichlid (Gnathochromis permaxillaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep sandy and muddy bottoms.
Description
The sand-sifter cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a conspicuous, highly protrusible upper lip that it can extend downward like a tube. With it the fish sucks up large mouthfuls of sand from the deeper bottom and sifts out small invertebrates, then spits the sand back out. It lives solitarily over soft mud and sand bottoms at greater depth. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand-sifter cichlid?
The Sand-sifter cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly protrusible upper lip for sucking up sand and sifting out invertebrates; mouthbrooder.
Where does the Sand-sifter cichlid live?
The Sand-sifter cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Sand-sifter cichlid get?
The Sand-sifter cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Sand-sifter cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand-sifter cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand-sifter cichlid edible?
The Sand-sifter cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gnathochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Sand-sifter cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand-sifter cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.