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Tylochromis cichlid (Tylochromis sudanensis) — Cichlidae

Tylochromis cichlid

Tylochromis sudanensis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Tylochromis cichlid (Tylochromis sudanensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West and Central Africa; rivers and lakes.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Sudanese tylochromis is an African cichlid (Cichlidae) from the fresh waters of West and Central Africa. The species has a fairly deep, silvery body with thick lips and an inferior mouth. It inhabits rivers and lakes and often keeps near soft bottoms. As an omnivore it sifts algae and plant matter and snaps small invertebrates from the sediment. It is a maternal mouthbrooder that does not pair-bond. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tylochromis cichlid?

The Tylochromis cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior mouth for sieving the bottom; maternal mouthbrooder without a pair bond.

Where does the Tylochromis cichlid live?

The Tylochromis cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West and Central Africa; rivers and lakes.

How big does the Tylochromis cichlid get?

The Tylochromis cichlid grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Tylochromis cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Tylochromis cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Tylochromis cichlid edible?

Yes, the Tylochromis cichlid is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Tylochromis cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Tylochromis sudanensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
West and Central Africa; rivers and lakes. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, plant material and small invertebrates from the sediment 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
Inferior mouth for sieving the bottom; maternal mouthbrooder without a pair bond. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly 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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