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Banded lamprologus (Neolamprologus fasciatus) — Cichlidae

Banded lamprologus

Neolamprologus fasciatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Banded lamprologus (Neolamprologus fasciatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

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

Description

Neolamprologus fasciatus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a streamlined body with conspicuous dark vertical bands and reaches about 15 cm. Unlike many relatives it is not rock-bound and can migrate through very shallow parts of the lake. Although gut contents indicate a shrimp diet, the species is also known to ambush young cichlids. It is a substrate spawner that often spawns in empty snail shells. Owing to its handsome banding the species is popular with cichlid keepers and of local fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded lamprologus?

The Banded lamprologus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Banded lamprologus live?

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

How big does the Banded lamprologus get?

The Banded lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Banded lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Banded lamprologus edible?

The Banded lamprologus is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gebande Tanganyika-cichlide sourced
English name
Banded lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus fasciatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 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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