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United jewel cichlid (Benitochromis conjunctus) — Cichlidae

United jewel cichlid

Benitochromis conjunctus
Family: Cichlidae

The United jewel cichlid (Benitochromis conjunctus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Cameroon

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Description

The united jewel cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from shaded forest streams and creeks of Cameroon in West Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with fine red spots and glossy tints on head and fins. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches among roots and leaf litter for small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. It is a mouthbrooder in which both parents protect the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the United jewel cichlid?

The United jewel cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the United jewel cichlid live?

The United jewel cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Cameroon

How big does the United jewel cichlid get?

The United jewel cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the United jewel cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the United jewel 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
United jewel cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Benitochromis conjunctus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud 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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