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Spangled cichlid (Limnochromis auritus) — Cichlidae

Spangled cichlid

Limnochromis auritus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Spangled cichlid (Limnochromis auritus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The kippy is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate, pearly body with a fine, shining pattern. It lives over soft bottoms of the lake and feeds on small invertebrates and plankton. Limnochromis auritus has long been known to aquarists as an easygoing, adaptable species. It is noteworthy among the lake's mouthbrooders in that both parents take turns carrying the brood in the mouth, a form of biparental mouthbrooding. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spangled cichlid?

The Spangled cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Spangled cichlid live?

The Spangled cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Spangled cichlid get?

The Spangled cichlid grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Spangled cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Spangled cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Spangled cichlid edible?

The Spangled cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tanganyika-mondbroedcichlide sourced
English name
Spangled cichlid verified
Scientific name
Limnochromis auritus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
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 Limnochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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