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Spotside lamprologus (Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus) — Cichlidae

Spotside lamprologus

Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Spotside lamprologus (Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus) 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
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The spotside lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an oblong, pale body with a row of dark spots on the flank, to which the name refers. It inhabits the rocky zone of the lake, where it shelters among stones and in crevices. As a bottom searcher it picks small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes from the bottom and cavities. As a substrate and cave spawner it lays its eggs in a cavity or crevice and the pair guards the brood. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotside lamprologus?

The Spotside lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotside lamprologus live?

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

How big does the Spotside lamprologus get?

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

Is the Spotside lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotside lamprologus is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotside lamprologus edible?

The Spotside lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vlekzij-Tanganyikacichlide sourced
English name
Spotside lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
Solitary 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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