Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded bathybates (Bathybates fasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
Bathybates fasciatus is a pelagic, piscivorous cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 40 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with dark bars, to which its name refers. It lives in the open, deeper water of the lake and forms schools. As a predator it hunts mainly the freshwater sardines, the abundant clupeids of Lake Tanganyika. The species is of commercial value to local fisheries and is harmless to humans. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it reproduces with parental care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded bathybates?
The Banded bathybates has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Pelagic, fish-eating cichlid with dark vertical bars; hunts freshwater herrings in shoals.
Where does the Banded bathybates live?
The Banded bathybates lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, in open, deeper water.
How big does the Banded bathybates get?
The Banded bathybates grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Banded bathybates dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded bathybates is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded bathybates edible?
Yes, the Banded bathybates is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bathybates
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded bathybates?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded bathybates is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone