Fin's Fish Guide
The Tropheus polli is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
Poll's Tropheus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 16 cm and has a stocky, brown-grey body with faint cross-bars. It inhabits the rocky shore zone at depths of six to ten metres and is strongly site-attached: even when pursued it seldom strays more than six or seven metres from its spot. With its inferior mouth it grazes the algal layer (aufwuchs) from rocks. Like other Tropheus species it is a maternal mouthbrooder. In the aquarium it is prized but markedly territorial and aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tropheus polli?
The Tropheus polli has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Highly site-attached algae grazer; maternal mouthbrooder, sought after but aggressive in the aquarium.
Where does the Tropheus polli live?
The Tropheus polli lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
How big does the Tropheus polli get?
The Tropheus polli grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Tropheus polli dangerous to humans?
No, the Tropheus polli is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tropheus polli edible?
The Tropheus polli is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tropheus
More from the family Cichlidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tropheus polli is one of 12,519 species in the app.