Home · Cichlidae · Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid
Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis minor) — Cichlidae

Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis minor
Family: Cichlidae

The Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis minor) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The lesser Congo dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate body with a metallic sheen; courting females colour up vividly with a purple-blue belly. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives among stones, roots and cavities of flowing rivers and snaps at small invertebrates and larvae. It is a cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid?

The Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid live?

The Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid get?

The Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleine Congo-dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Lesser Congo dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis minor
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nanochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →