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Spotside lamprologus (Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus) — Cichlidae

Spotside lamprologus

Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Spotside lamprologus (Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky zone.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The spotside lamprologus is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an oblong, pale body with a row of dark spots on the flank, to which the name refers. It inhabits the rocky zone of the lake, where it shelters among stones and in crevices. As a bottom searcher it picks small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes from the bottom and cavities. As a substrate and cave spawner it lays its eggs in a cavity or crevice and the pair guards the brood. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotside lamprologus?

The Spotside lamprologus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Row of dark flank blotches; rock-dwelling substrate and cave brooder of Lake Tanganyika.

Where does the Spotside lamprologus live?

The Spotside lamprologus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; rocky zone.

How big does the Spotside lamprologus get?

The Spotside lamprologus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Spotside lamprologus dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotside lamprologus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotside lamprologus edible?

The Spotside lamprologus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotside lamprologus sourced
Scientific name
Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White
Pattern
Spots
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; rocky zone.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Row of dark flank blotches; rock-dwelling substrate and cave brooder of Lake Tanganyika. 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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