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Splendid dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis splendens) — Cichlidae

Splendid dwarf cichlid

Nanochromis splendens
Family: Cichlidae

The Splendid dwarf cichlid (Nanochromis splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The splendid dwarf cichlid is a small cichlid from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate body with a blue-green sheen and, in females, a handsomely coloured belly. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rock crevices and roots of clear rivers and eats small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is a cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Splendid dwarf cichlid?

The Splendid dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Splendid dwarf cichlid live?

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

How big does the Splendid dwarf cichlid get?

The Splendid dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Splendid dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Splendid dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schitterende dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Splendid dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nanochromis splendens
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud 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

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