Teleostei (teleosts) >
Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Benthochromis: Greek, benthos = depth of the sea + Greek, chromis = a fish, perhaps a perch (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Poll.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 23°C - 25°C (Ref. 12468); 3°S - 9°S
Africa: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 16.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5606)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 16 - 18;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 11-12;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 9 - 11;
Vertebrae: 35 - 37. Diagnosis: eye length equal to or longer than snout length (101-129%); usually a total of 28-29 dorsal fin rays; pelvic fins of large males <25% standard length; no distinct pearl-grey longitudinal line through the upper end of the pectoral fin base; 2 longitudinal pearl-grey lines on body (Ref. 74417).
Feeds on small crustaceans as well as plankton (Ref. 7343). Mouthbrooder (Ref. 74417).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Mouthbrooder (Ref. 74417).
Maréchal, C. and M. Poll, 1991. Benthochromis. p. 25-26. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4. (Ref. 5606)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 126983)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Aquarium: commercial
More information
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