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Ocellated pelmatochromis (Pelmatochromis ocellifer) — Cichlidae

Ocellated pelmatochromis

Pelmatochromis ocellifer
Family: Cichlidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Ocellated pelmatochromis (Pelmatochromis ocellifer) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Pelmatochromis ocellifer is a cichlid of the lowlands of West and Central Africa. The species reaches about 13 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with yellow tones and an eyespot (ocellus) on the fins, to which the species name refers. It lives near the bottom in rivers and streams and feeds as an omnivore on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like many cichlids the species is a substrate spawner that guards its brood, showing territorial behaviour. Owing to limited data its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated pelmatochromis?

The Ocellated pelmatochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Ocellated pelmatochromis live?

The Ocellated pelmatochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Ocellated pelmatochromis get?

The Ocellated pelmatochromis grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Ocellated pelmatochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated pelmatochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Ocellated pelmatochromis edible?

The Ocellated pelmatochromis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Oogvlek-cichlide sourced
English name
Ocellated pelmatochromis sourced
Scientific name
Pelmatochromis ocellifer
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No 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 Pelmatochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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