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Congo dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis nudiceps) — Cichlidae

Congo dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis nudiceps
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis nudiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; quiet parts of rivers and creeks of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Congo dwarf cichlid is a small, colourful cichlid from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to only about 7 cm; the females especially are striking with a purplish-shining belly in the breeding season. It inhabits quiet, often soft parts of rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. The species is a cave spawner: the pair lays its eggs in a cavity or under a stone and guards the brood. The Congo dwarf cichlid is popular in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo dwarf cichlid?

The Congo dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Females with a purplish shiny belly during spawning; cave brooder that guards the clutch.

Where does the Congo dwarf cichlid live?

The Congo dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; quiet parts of rivers and creeks of the Congo basin.

How big does the Congo dwarf cichlid get?

The Congo dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Congo dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Congo dwarf cichlid edible?

The Congo dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Congo dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis nudiceps
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; quiet parts of rivers and creeks of the Congo basin.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Females with a purplish shiny belly during spawning; cave brooder that guards the clutch. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nanochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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