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Toa lamprologus (Neolamprologus toae) — Cichlidae

Toa lamprologus

Neolamprologus toae
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Toa lamprologus (Neolamprologus toae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes and rubble zones.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Toa lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, brownish body that hides well among rocks. It lives along rocky slopes and in rubble zones of the lake. At night it forages on insect larvae and other small invertebrates from the bottom. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it is territorial and guards its brood in a crevice or cavity. The Toa lamprologus is traded in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Toa lamprologus?

The Toa lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Nocturnal, territorial rock-dweller of Lake Tanganyika that guards its brood.

Where does the Toa lamprologus live?

The Toa lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes and rubble zones.

How big does the Toa lamprologus get?

The Toa lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Toa lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Toa lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Toa lamprologus edible?

The Toa lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Toa lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus toae
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal 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
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky slopes and rubble zones. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae and small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Nocturnal, territorial rock-dweller of Lake Tanganyika that guards its brood. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. 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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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