Lamprologus congoensis Schilthuis, 1891
Lamprologus congoensis
photo by Moeremans, L.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 19,
Distribution:  Africa: middle Congo River basin, in the mainstream from Pool Malebo (=Stanley Pool) to Monsembe (Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo), in the lower Kasai (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and in the upper Sangha (Central African Republic)(Ref. 52248).
Diagnosis:  Description: old males often develop a small hump on their head; swimbladder reduced (Ref. 52307). Coloration: body in both sexes pale brown to grayish-brown; males with well-developed silvery spots on body scales and unpaired fins; when aggressive or courting, females will turn dark and sometimes even black; 4-6 vertical bars may be visible on body when aggressive (Ref. 52307).
Biology:  Somewhat less rheophilic than its congeners; often found in open water; pair-bonding, cave spawner (Ref. 52307).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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