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Splendid dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis splendens) — Cichlidae

Splendid dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis splendens
Family: Cichlidae

The Splendid dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The splendid dwarf cichlid is a small cichlid from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate body with a blue-green sheen and, in females, a handsomely coloured belly. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rock crevices and roots of clear rivers and eats small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is a cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Splendid dwarf cichlid?

The Splendid dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Splendid dwarf cichlid live?

The Splendid dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Splendid dwarf cichlid get?

The Splendid dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Splendid dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Splendid dwarf cichlid 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Splendid dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis splendens
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Nanochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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