Fin's Fish Guide
The Variable trematocara (Trematocara variabile) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep zones, shallower at night.
Description
The variable trematocara is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body. The genus Trematocara is remarkable for being among the world's deepest cichlid catches and for having greatly enlarged, pore-studded sensory canals on the head to detect prey in the dark. At night it moves up to shallower water to forage on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female protects the young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Variable trematocara?
The Variable trematocara has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged sensory canals on the head for detecting prey in the dark; nocturnal vertical migration.
Where does the Variable trematocara live?
The Variable trematocara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deep zones, shallower at night.
How big does the Variable trematocara get?
The Variable trematocara grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Variable trematocara dangerous to humans?
No, the Variable trematocara is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Variable trematocara edible?
The Variable trematocara is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trematocara
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Variable trematocara?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Variable trematocara is one of 12,519 species in the app.