Home · Cichlidae · Congo sandsifter cichlid
Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) — Cichlidae

Congo sandsifter cichlid

Tylochromis lateralis
Family: Cichlidae

The Congo sandsifter cichlid (Tylochromis lateralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Congo sandsifter cichlid is a cichlid from the Congo basin of Central Africa. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a blunt head and thick lips. As a bottom-dweller it sifts mouthfuls of sediment over sand and mud bottoms of rivers and bank zones, filtering out molluscs, small invertebrates and plant material. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo sandsifter cichlid?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Congo sandsifter cichlid live?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Congo sandsifter cichlid get?

The Congo sandsifter cichlid grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Congo sandsifter cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo sandsifter cichlid is harmless to humans.

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
Congo-zandcichlide sourced
English name
Congo sandsifter cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Tylochromis lateralis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Tylochromis

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 →