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Modest lamprologus (Neolamprologus modestus) — Cichlidae

Modest lamprologus

Neolamprologus modestus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Modest lamprologus (Neolamprologus modestus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Neolamprologus modestus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a stocky, brownish body and reaches about 12 cm. It is usually solitary, although many individuals may be seen at once. It is specialised in eating small snails that live on the biocover of the rocks, and also eats the eggs of the Tanganyika killifish. Like other Neolamprologus species it is a substrate spawner that lays and guards its eggs in a cavity. The species occurs along rocky shores of the lake and is of local fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Modest lamprologus?

The Modest lamprologus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Modest lamprologus live?

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

How big does the Modest lamprologus get?

The Modest lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Modest lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Modest lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Modest lamprologus edible?

The Modest lamprologus is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bescheiden Tanganyika-cichlide sourced
English name
Modest lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus modestus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain 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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