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Daffodil cichlid (Neolamprologus pulcher) — Cichlidae

Daffodil cichlid

Neolamprologus pulcher
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Daffodil cichlid (Neolamprologus pulcher) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The daffodil cichlid is a graceful cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. The species reaches about 7 cm, has a grey-yellow body with a bluish sheen and finely edged fins, and inhabits sediment-rich, rocky zones. The fish is famous as a model organism for cooperative breeding: pairs breed in crevices where 20 to 60 eggs are laid, and older young remain as 'helpers' that defend the territory and tend the nest. The diet consists of zooplankton and small invertebrates. Because of this complex social behaviour the species has been studied extensively.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Daffodil cichlid?

The Daffodil cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Daffodil cichlid live?

The Daffodil cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Daffodil cichlid get?

The Daffodil cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Daffodil cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Daffodil cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Daffodil cichlid edible?

The Daffodil cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Prinses van Burundi sourced
English name
Daffodil cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus pulcher
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.2 verified
Average length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked 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
Large 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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