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Ufermann's cichlid (Benitochromis ufermanni) — Cichlidae

Ufermann's cichlid

Benitochromis ufermanni
Family: Cichlidae

The Ufermann's cichlid (Benitochromis ufermanni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon

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Description

The Ufermann's cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from fresh water of coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown to olive body with glittering spots and, in breeding colour, blue and reddish tints. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among roots and leaf litter for insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant material. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ufermann's cichlid?

The Ufermann's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ufermann's cichlid live?

The Ufermann's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Cameroon

How big does the Ufermann's cichlid get?

The Ufermann's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Ufermann's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Ufermann's 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
Ufermann's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Benitochromis ufermanni
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Cameroon 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 Benitochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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