Fin's Fish Guide
The Sima sanddweller (Xenotilapia sima) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
Xenotilapia sima is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 16 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with bluish tones. It lives over sandy bottoms and forms schools. Its diet consists of insect larvae and small zooplankton, which it obtains by scooping and sifting sand. Like other Xenotilapia species it is a biparental mouthbrooder, with both parents taking turns protecting the young in the mouth. The species is of local fishery value and popular in the aquarium trade. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sima sanddweller?
The Sima sanddweller has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sand-dwelling cichlid that lives in shoals; biparental mouthbrooder.
Where does the Sima sanddweller live?
The Sima sanddweller lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, over sandy bottoms.
How big does the Sima sanddweller get?
The Sima sanddweller grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Sima sanddweller dangerous to humans?
No, the Sima sanddweller is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sima sanddweller edible?
The Sima sanddweller is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xenotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Sima sanddweller?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sima sanddweller is one of 12,519 species in the app.