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Redlip river cichlid (Orthochromis rubrolabialis) — Cichlidae

Redlip river cichlid

Orthochromis rubrolabialis
Family: Cichlidae

The Redlip river cichlid (Orthochromis rubrolabialis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1.0–1.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Redlip river cichlid is a riverine cichlid (Cichlidae) from the fast-flowing, rocky Malagarasi drainage in East Africa, which drains into Lake Tanganyika. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body adapted to life in current. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks and crevices and snaps at biofilm, algae and small invertebrates. It is a caring cave brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redlip river cichlid?

The Redlip river cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Redlip river cichlid live?

The Redlip river cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Redlip river cichlid get?

The Redlip river cichlid grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Redlip river cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Redlip river cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodlip-rivier-cichlide sourced
English name
Redlip river cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Orthochromis rubrolabialis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Orthochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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