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Kululu (Sarotherodon steinbachi) — Cichlidae

Kululu

Sarotherodon steinbachi
Family: Cichlidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Kululu (Sarotherodon steinbachi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to the crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon; shallow shore zones.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Steinbach's tilapia is a cichlid endemic to the crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon. The species has a fairly deep body and keeps mainly in shallow areas near the lake margins, where it occurs in schools at the surface. It feeds on plankton and growth. Unlike many relatives it is a paternal or biparental mouthbrooder. Owing to its very limited range in a single crater lake it is considered critically endangered. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kululu?

The Kululu has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Endemic to a single crater lake; male/biparental mouthbrooder, critically endangered.

Where does the Kululu live?

The Kululu lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to the crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon; shallow shore zones.

How big does the Kululu get?

The Kululu grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Kululu dangerous to humans?

No, the Kululu is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Kululu edible?

The Kululu is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Kululu verified
Scientific name
Sarotherodon steinbachi
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Kululu verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.3 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-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
Endemic to the crater lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon; shallow shore zones.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Plankton and biofilm sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Endemic to a single crater lake; male/biparental mouthbrooder, critically endangered. 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 Sarotherodon

More from the family Cichlidae

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