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Dhont's cichlid (Telmatochromis dhonti) — Cichlidae

Dhont's cichlid

Telmatochromis dhonti
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dhont's cichlid (Telmatochromis dhonti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Telmatochromis dhonti is a small, elongate cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a streamlined, brownish body and reaches about 12 cm. It occurs over various rock substrates, even in very turbid water. As an omnivore it feeds on micro-organisms and aufwuchs grazed from the stones. The species forms temporary pairs: the male defends a territory while the female cares for the brood, which is laid in a cavity or crevice. Owing to its easy care and interesting behaviour the species is popular with cichlid keepers and of local fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dhont's cichlid?

The Dhont's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Dhont's cichlid live?

The Dhont's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dhont's cichlid get?

The Dhont's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Dhont's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Dhont's cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Dhont's cichlid edible?

The Dhont's cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dhonts cichlide sourced
English name
Dhont's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Telmatochromis dhonti
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Omnivore 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

Same genus Telmatochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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