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Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) — Cichlidae

Temporalis cichlid

Telmatochromis temporalis
Family: Cichlidae

The Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The temporalis cichlid is a small cichlid from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, brown-grey body with a blunt head. As a rock and crevice dweller it lives along the rocky shore zone; a dwarf form uses empty snail shells as shelter and breeding site. It grazes aufwuchs and small invertebrates from the stones. It is a substrate brooder that guards its young. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Temporalis cichlid?

The Temporalis cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Temporalis cichlid live?

The Temporalis cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Temporalis cichlid get?

The Temporalis cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Temporalis cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Temporalis cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Temporalis cichlid edible?

Yes, the Temporalis cichlid is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rotsspleet-cichlide sourced
English name
Temporalis cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Telmatochromis temporalis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.2 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

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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