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Largetooth petrochromis (Petrochromis polyodon) — Cichlidae

Largetooth petrochromis

Petrochromis polyodon
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Largetooth petrochromis (Petrochromis polyodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Petrochromis polyodon is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species lives over rocky bottoms, singly or in loose groups, and scrapes the algal layer (aufwuchs) from stones with a broad mouth set with many small teeth. The fish reaches about 21 cm and has a stocky, powerful body. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it is a mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is prized by advanced cichlid keepers and is fished locally.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largetooth petrochromis?

The Largetooth petrochromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Largetooth petrochromis live?

The Largetooth petrochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Largetooth petrochromis get?

The Largetooth petrochromis grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Largetooth petrochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Largetooth petrochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Largetooth petrochromis edible?

Yes, the Largetooth petrochromis is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tanganyika-algenschraper sourced
English name
Largetooth petrochromis sourced
Scientific name
Petrochromis polyodon
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced

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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