Home · Cichlidae · Striped telmatochromis
Striped telmatochromis (Telmatochromis bifrenatus) — Cichlidae

Striped telmatochromis

Telmatochromis bifrenatus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Striped telmatochromis (Telmatochromis bifrenatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
5.0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The striped telmatochromis is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, pale body with two dark lengthwise stripes, to which the name refers. It lives solitarily and territorially in very clear water, often around rocks and empty snail shells, sometimes to about 20 m deep. On the bottom it picks small invertebrates and growth. It lays its eggs in crevices and snail shells. It is regarded as a suitable beginner's fish in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped telmatochromis?

The Striped telmatochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Striped telmatochromis live?

The Striped telmatochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Striped telmatochromis get?

The Striped telmatochromis grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Striped telmatochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped telmatochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Striped telmatochromis edible?

The Striped telmatochromis is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tweestreep-Tanganyikacichlide sourced
English name
Striped telmatochromis sourced
Scientific name
Telmatochromis bifrenatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Telmatochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →