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Slender lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus) — Cichlidae

Slender lamprologus

Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Slender lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus is a slender, predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 15 cm and has an elongate, silvery-grey body with rows of dark spots. It lives over sandy bottoms, where it hovers just above the ground and digs large, crater-shaped nests. Its diet consists mainly of small fishes, supplemented with invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans and is not eaten, but is popular in the aquarium trade. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it is a substrate spawner that guards its clutch.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender lamprologus?

The Slender lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Slender lamprologus live?

The Slender lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Slender lamprologus get?

The Slender lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Slender lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Slender lamprologus edible?

The Slender lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slanke zandcichlide sourced
English name
Slender lamprologus verified
Scientific name
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked sourced
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Lepidiolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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