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Pfeffer's cichlid (Gnathochromis pfefferi) — Cichlidae

Pfeffer's cichlid

Gnathochromis pfefferi
Family: Cichlidae

The Pfeffer's cichlid (Gnathochromis pfefferi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Gnathochromis pfefferi is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a streamlined, brownish to silvery body with a large, slightly protruding mouth and reaches about 12 cm. It occurs in a variety of shoreline habitats, from sand and rock bottoms to vegetated zones, making it one of the more adaptable Tanganyika cichlids. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and some plant matter. Like many cichlids of the lake the species is a mouthbrooder, in which the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth. It is popular with cichlid keepers and of local fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pfeffer's cichlid?

The Pfeffer's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Pfeffer's cichlid live?

The Pfeffer's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pfeffer's cichlid get?

The Pfeffer's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Pfeffer's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pfeffer's cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Pfeffer's cichlid edible?

The Pfeffer's cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pfeffers cichlide sourced
English name
Pfeffer's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Gnathochromis pfefferi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
12.0 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met plantaardig aas of deegaas op een bodem- of dobbermontage. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gnathochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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