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Pretty-tail cichlid (Reganochromis calliurus) — Cichlidae

Pretty-tail cichlid

Reganochromis calliurus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pretty-tail cichlid (Reganochromis calliurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The pretty-tail cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with fine markings and a handsomely coloured, often spotted tail fin, to which the name refers. It inhabits deep coastal waters over sand bottoms. As a bottom searcher it sifts small invertebrates and growth from the sand. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth for protection. The species is popular with advanced aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pretty-tail cichlid?

The Pretty-tail cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Pretty-tail cichlid live?

The Pretty-tail cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pretty-tail cichlid get?

The Pretty-tail cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Pretty-tail cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pretty-tail cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Pretty-tail cichlid edible?

The Pretty-tail cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sierstaart-Tanganyikacichlide sourced
English name
Pretty-tail cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Reganochromis calliurus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal 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
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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