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Splendid lamprologus (Neolamprologus splendens) — Cichlidae

Splendid lamprologus

Neolamprologus splendens
Family: Cichlidae

The Splendid lamprologus (Neolamprologus splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Splendid lamprologus is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate body adapted to life among the rocks and crevices of the steep, rocky shore zone. As a territorial bottom-dweller it shelters and breeds in cavities and snaps at small invertebrates, insect larvae and biofilm. Many related species are caring cave brooders. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Splendid lamprologus?

The Splendid lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Splendid lamprologus live?

The Splendid lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Splendid lamprologus get?

The Splendid lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Splendid lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Splendid lamprologus 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 lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus splendens
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock 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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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