Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Telmatochromis cf. temporalis 'Namansi'.jpg Telmatochromis dhonti 'Namansi'.jpg Triglachromis otostigma 'Namansi'.jpg Tropheus moorii 'Mtosi' (Red Namansi).jpg Tropheus moorii 'Namansi'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTriglachromis otostigma 'Namansi'
Tribe / Genus: Limnochromini / Triglachromis
Type locality: Lake Tanganyika.
Biotope: Muddy habitats above soft bottoms, where the species digs extensive tunnel systems and underground galleries.
Geographic distribution: Found all around the shores of Lake Tanganyika in suitable muddy habitats, with no known geographical variation.
Typical adult size: Up to 10 cm in the wild; aquarium specimens may reach 12–13 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: No clear sexual dimorphism. According to aquarium observations, females may show black pigmentation on the first dorsal fin rays and usually remain slightly smaller than males.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 liters or larger.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate is essential, interrupted by scattered rock groups. The layout should allow digging and the construction of tunnels.
Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates extracted from mud and silt. The species engulfs substrate and swallows edible items, often ingesting large amounts of mud as ballast.
Breeding: Bi-parental mouthbrooder. Pairs dig extensive tunnel systems in muddy substrate, inside which spawning takes place. Both parents incubate and regularly exchange eggs, larvae, and fry. Clutches may reach 250–300 eggs.
Aggression: Relatively peaceful compared to other limnochromines, though territorial around the burrow and breeding site.
Special notes: Distinguished within Limnochromini by its elongated body, rounded head, sub-terminal mouth, and finger-like extensions of the pectoral fin rays, which are used as sensory organs to detect prey in the substrate.

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Photo: © Mattia Matarrese
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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