Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; open water column above rocky slopes.
Description
The slender cichlid is a slim cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate, sardine-like body; courting males show bright blue, yellow or purplish tints. Unlike most cichlids it lives gregariously in large schools drifting freely in the open water column above rocky slopes, often in a conspicuous head-up 'hanging' posture. As a plankton feeder it picks zooplankton from the water. Notably it is a mouthbrooder that spawns in open water. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Slender cichlid?
The Slender cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Sardine-like body; lives in large hovering shoals and is an open-water spawning mouthbrooder.
Where does the Slender cichlid live?
The Slender cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; open water column above rocky slopes.
How big does the Slender cichlid get?
The Slender cichlid grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Slender cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Slender cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Slender cichlid edible?
The Slender cichlid is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprichromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Slender cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.