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Thicklip tylochromis (Tylochromis labrodon) — Cichlidae

Thicklip tylochromis

Tylochromis labrodon
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Thicklip tylochromis (Tylochromis labrodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
22.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin in Central Africa; bottom of rivers.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The thicklip tylochromis is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a stocky body with large scales and fleshy lips. As a bottom dweller it searches the sediment for insects and their larvae, molluscs, plants and detritus, taking larger food particles. It is a maternal mouthbrooder that does not form a pair bond: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thicklip tylochromis?

The Thicklip tylochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Fleshy lips; bottom-feeding maternal mouthbrooder without a pair bond.

Where does the Thicklip tylochromis live?

The Thicklip tylochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; bottom of rivers.

How big does the Thicklip tylochromis get?

The Thicklip tylochromis grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Thicklip tylochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Thicklip tylochromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Thicklip tylochromis edible?

The Thicklip tylochromis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Thicklip tylochromis sourced
Scientific name
Tylochromis labrodon
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Congo basin in Central Africa; bottom of rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects and larvae, molluscs, plants and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Fleshy lips; bottom-feeding maternal mouthbrooder without a pair bond. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Tylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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