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Ubangi lionhead cichlid (Steatocranus ubanguiensis) — Cichlidae

Ubangi lionhead cichlid

Steatocranus ubanguiensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Ubangi lionhead cichlid (Steatocranus ubanguiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Central Afr. Rp

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Description

The Ubangi lionhead cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from fast-flowing, rocky parts of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body and, in adult males, a conspicuous fatty hump on the forehead. With a small swim bladder it does not hover but 'hops' over the bottom among the stones, where it grazes algae, biofilm and small invertebrates. It is a cave brooder that guards the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ubangi lionhead cichlid?

The Ubangi lionhead cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Ubangi lionhead cichlid live?

The Ubangi lionhead cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Central Afr. Rp

How big does the Ubangi lionhead cichlid get?

The Ubangi lionhead cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Ubangi lionhead cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Ubangi lionhead 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
Ubangi lionhead cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Steatocranus ubanguiensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Central Afr. 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 Steatocranus

More from the family Cichlidae

Fin

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