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Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) — Cichlidae

Elongate lamprologus

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Elongate lamprologus (Lepidiolamprologus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is an elongate, slender predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It grows to about 15-25 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey to brownish body suited to an active hunting style. Along the lake's rocky shores it chases small fishes and shrimps. A substrate spawner, the pair lays eggs on rocks or in crevices and fiercely guards the eggs and young. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby for its striking predatory behaviour. It is harmless to people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate lamprologus?

The Elongate lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Elongate lamprologus live?

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

How big does the Elongate lamprologus get?

The Elongate lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Elongate lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Elongate lamprologus edible?

The Elongate lamprologus is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langgerekte Tanganyika-cichlide inferred
English name
Elongate lamprologus inferred
Scientific name
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked sourced
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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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