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Dotted-tail lamprologus (Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) — Cichlidae

Dotted-tail lamprologus

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dotted-tail lamprologus (Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dotted-tail lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 6.5 cm and has a pale body with a yellowish dorsal-fin margin and fine spots on the tail, to which the name refers. It lives over sand and rubble bottoms near rocks and empty snail shells, where it shelters and lays its eggs. It often hovers above the bottom to pick zooplankton from the water. The pair fiercely guards the brood in and around a cavity or shell. The species is popular in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dotted-tail lamprologus?

The Dotted-tail lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Dotted-tail lamprologus live?

The Dotted-tail lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dotted-tail lamprologus get?

The Dotted-tail lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dotted-tail lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Dotted-tail lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Dotted-tail lamprologus edible?

The Dotted-tail lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stippelstaart-cichlide sourced
English name
Dotted-tail lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White 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
Mixed 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 Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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