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Dambabe cichlid (Paretroplus dambabe) — Cichlidae

Dambabe cichlid

Paretroplus dambabe
Family: Cichlidae

The Dambabe cichlid (Paretroplus dambabe) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Dambabe cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Madagascar. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, powerful, grey-brown body, in breeding individuals with red or dark tints. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand, mud and among rocks for snails, insect larvae and small invertebrates. It is a caring parental brooder. Many related species are critically endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dambabe cichlid?

The Dambabe cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dambabe cichlid live?

The Dambabe cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Dambabe cichlid get?

The Dambabe cichlid grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Dambabe cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Dambabe cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dambabe-damba sourced
English name
Dambabe cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Paretroplus dambabe
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Red-bellied Madagascar cichlid sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.7 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Paretroplus

More from the family Cichlidae

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