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Savory's cichlid (Neolamprologus savoryi) — Cichlidae

Savory's cichlid

Neolamprologus savoryi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Savory's cichlid (Neolamprologus savoryi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich and rocky zones.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Savory's cichlid is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, dark body with pale vertical bars and a bluish sheen on the fins. It inhabits sediment- and rock-rich zones of the lake and stays in groups. As a small predator it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Neolamprologus species are substrate spawners that lay and guard their eggs in crevices and cavities; some show cooperative breeding, with older young helping to protect the new brood. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Savory's cichlid?

The Savory's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Substrate brooder from Lake Tanganyika, sometimes with brood help from older juveniles.

Where does the Savory's cichlid live?

The Savory's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich and rocky zones.

How big does the Savory's cichlid get?

The Savory's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Savory's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Savory's cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Savory's cichlid edible?

The Savory's cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Savory's cichlid (Neolamprologus savoryi) — Cichlidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Savory's cichlid (Neolamprologus savoryi) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) K.Kawasaka, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Savory's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus savoryi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Vertical bars
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; sediment-rich and rocky zones.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Substrate brooder from Lake Tanganyika, sometimes with brood help from older juveniles. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neolamprologus

More from the family Cichlidae

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