Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted trematocara (Trematocara stigmaticum) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep water, shallower at night.
Description
The spotted trematocara is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species belongs to a group of cichlids that venture the deepest of all in the lake and migrate to shallower water at night to forage. It has a slender body with conspicuous sensory canals on the head and a dark spot, to which the name refers. On the bottom and in open water it catches small zooplankton and small invertebrates. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted trematocara?
The Spotted trematocara has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Deepest-living cichlid of Lake Tanganyika; moves to shallow water at night; mouthbrooder.
Where does the Spotted trematocara live?
The Spotted trematocara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep water, shallower at night.
How big does the Spotted trematocara get?
The Spotted trematocara grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Spotted trematocara dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted trematocara is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted trematocara edible?
The Spotted trematocara is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trematocara
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted trematocara?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted trematocara is one of 12,519 species in the app.