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Torrent orthochromis (Orthochromis torrenticola) — Cichlidae

Torrent orthochromis

Orthochromis torrenticola
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Torrent orthochromis (Orthochromis torrenticola) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Upper reaches of the Congo river basin (Lualaba/Lufira) in DR Congo.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Orthochromis torrenticola is a small, current-loving cichlid from the upper Congo drainage (Lualaba/Lufira) in DR Congo. The species reaches about 8 cm and has a streamlined body adapted to life in rapids, as the species name indicates. It occurs among rocks in fast, oxygen-rich water and grazes aufwuchs and small invertebrates from the substrate. Like related species it is presumably a mouthbrooder. Its restricted, rapids-bound habitat makes the species sensitive to changes in the water regime.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Torrent orthochromis?

The Torrent orthochromis has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Lives in rapids (name torrenticola); streamlined and adapted to fast-flowing water.

Where does the Torrent orthochromis live?

The Torrent orthochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Upper reaches of the Congo river basin (Lualaba/Lufira) in DR Congo.

How big does the Torrent orthochromis get?

The Torrent orthochromis grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Torrent orthochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Torrent orthochromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Torrent orthochromis edible?

The Torrent orthochromis is not usually eaten.

More photos

Torrent orthochromis (Orthochromis torrenticola) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Torrent orthochromis sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis torrenticola
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.1 verified
Average length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Upper reaches of the Congo river basin (Lualaba/Lufira) in DR Congo. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Aufwuchs and small invertebrates from the substrate 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
Lives in rapids (name torrenticola); streamlined and adapted to fast-flowing water. 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 Orthochromis

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Kalungwishi orthochromis
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 Moso river cichlid (Orthochromis mosoensis) — Cichlidae
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