Fin's Fish Guide
The Schouteden's cichlid (Cardiopharynx schoutedeni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, semi-pelagic above sandy bottoms.
Description
Cardiopharynx schoutedeni is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 15 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a bluish sheen. It is a semi-pelagic microorganism feeder that is common over sandy bottoms and roams in schools of several hundred fish. Its diet consists of small zooplankton and other microorganisms filtered from the water. The species is of commercial value to local fisheries and is harmless to humans. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it reproduces with parental care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Schouteden's cichlid?
The Schouteden's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Semi-pelagic cichlid that hunts micro-organisms in shoals of hundreds of animals above sandy bottoms; endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Where does the Schouteden's cichlid live?
The Schouteden's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, semi-pelagic above sandy bottoms.
How big does the Schouteden's cichlid get?
The Schouteden's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Schouteden's cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Schouteden's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Schouteden's cichlid edible?
Yes, the Schouteden's cichlid is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Schouteden's cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Schouteden's cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.