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Demeuse's cichlid (Thoracochromis demeusii) — Cichlidae

Demeuse's cichlid

Thoracochromis demeusii
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Demeuse's cichlid (Thoracochromis demeusii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–7 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Demeuse's cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a stocky, elongate body; courting males colour up. It inhabits rivers and streams of the basin, where it lives among bank structure and vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, algae and plant matter. Like many related cichlids it tends its brood. Owing to habitat threats and a restricted range the species is considered vulnerable. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Demeuse's cichlid?

The Demeuse's cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Congo cichlid of bank structure and vegetation; vulnerable because of habitat pressure.

Where does the Demeuse's cichlid live?

The Demeuse's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.

How big does the Demeuse's cichlid get?

The Demeuse's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Demeuse's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Demeuse's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Demeuse's cichlid edible?

The Demeuse's cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Demeuse's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Thoracochromis demeusii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Vertical bars
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
7 verified
Natural range
Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Congo cichlid of bank structure and vegetation; vulnerable because of habitat pressure. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or 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 Thoracochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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