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Transvestite dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis transvestitus) — Cichlidae

Transvestite dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis transvestitus
Family: Cichlidae

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis transvestitus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1.0–1.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Mai-Ndombe dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) found only in the blackwater of Lake Mai-Ndombe in the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate body; remarkably the female is more brightly coloured than the male, with a purple-and-white banded tail. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among roots and stones and snaps at small invertebrates. It is a cave brooder that protects the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Transvestite dwarf cichlid?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Transvestite dwarf cichlid live?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Transvestite dwarf cichlid get?

The Transvestite dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Transvestite dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Transvestite dwarf cichlid 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
Transvestite dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis transvestitus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
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 Nanochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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