Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Neolamprologus multifasciatus 'Mpulungu'.jpg Neolamprologus tetracanthus 'Mpulungu'.jpg Perissodus eccentricus 'Mpulungu'.jpg Perissodus elaviae 'Mpulungu'.jpg Telmatochromis temporalis 'Mpulungu'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePerissodus eccentricus (Mpulungu market)
Tribe / Genus: Perissodini / Perissodus
Type locality: Lake Tanganyika
Biotope: Primarily deep-water habitats over rocky substrates, usually at depths between 60 and 100 meters. The species has also been observed in shallower rocky areas, especially in connection with reproductive activity.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Most records originate from the southern part of the lake, including Zambian waters and adjacent areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with confirmed occurrences off Chituta Bay, Kasenga Point, and near Kalemie.
Typical adult size: Up to about 16.4 cm standard length; most wild individuals are commonly smaller, around 9–10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: No pronounced external sexual dimorphism is described. Both sexes occur in left- and right-mouthed morphs. Mature males may show slightly more elongated fins.
Recommended aquarium size: Large aquaria are required due to adult size and behaviour; tanks of at least 400 L are considered appropriate.
Aquarium setup: Requires spacious aquaria with rocky structures and caves that resemble deep rocky habitats. Stable, hard and alkaline water conditions typical of Lake Tanganyika are essential. Compatibility with other fish is limited due to aggressive scale-feeding behaviour.
Diet: Lepidophagous predator specializing in feeding on the scales of other fishes, which make up the vast majority of the diet. Occasionally consumes small fish or fry.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding pairs form temporary bonds, with spawning followed by incubation of eggs in the female’s mouth. Fry are released near the shoreline after the brooding period.
Aggression: Aggressive towards other fishes due to its specialized scale-feeding behaviour; territorial interactions may occur, especially during breeding.
Special notes: Perissodus eccentricus is characterized by a strongly asymmetric mouth, with individuals occurring as left- or right-mouthed morphs. This bilateral asymmetry enables lateral attacks on prey and is maintained in populations by negative frequency-dependent selection, resulting in an approximately equal ratio of both morphs. The species represents a highly specialized element of the Lake Tanganyika cichlid radiation and plays an important ecological role through its unique scale-eating predation strategy.

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Photo: © Adrian Indermaur
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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