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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 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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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. Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia

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. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Temporalis cichlid edible?

Yes, the Temporalis cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) — Cichlidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Friedrich Rosian, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Heinrich Human, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Temporalis cichlid (Telmatochromis temporalis) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Heinrich Human, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
20 verified
Natural range
Africa: Burundi, Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania, Zambia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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