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Largemouth Petrochromis (Petrochromis macrognathus) — Cichlidae

Largemouth Petrochromis

Petrochromis macrognathus
Family: Cichlidae

The Largemouth Petrochromis (Petrochromis macrognathus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–0.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The largemouth Petrochromis is a cichlid (Cichlidae) found only in Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, dark body with a broad, forward-set mouth full of fine, mobile teeth. As a bottom-dweller of the rocky shore it rasps the algal mats ('aufwuchs') growing on rocks at an angle against the stone. It is a mouthbrooder that protects its young in the mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largemouth Petrochromis?

The Largemouth Petrochromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Largemouth Petrochromis live?

The Largemouth Petrochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Largemouth Petrochromis get?

The Largemouth Petrochromis grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Largemouth Petrochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Largemouth Petrochromis is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootbek-grazercichlide sourced
English name
Largemouth Petrochromis sourced
Scientific name
Petrochromis macrognathus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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 Petrochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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