Benthochromis tricoti is a type of cichlid fish. It lives only in Lake Tanganyika, Africa, and is found as deep as 330 feet. This fish eats small crustaceans and plankton.
Like many other cichlids, these fish carry their eggs in their mouths.
In the aquarium trade, the Benthochromis tricoti fish being sold are actually B. horii, which was identified as a separate species in 2008.
The name “tricoti” honors Monsieur Tricot from the Great Lakes Railroad Company in Albertville.
He helped the Belgian Hydrobiological Mission explore Lake Tanganyika during 1946-1947 when they discovered this fish species.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Benthochromis tricoti Interesting Facts
- Benthochromis tricoti is a cichlid fish native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa, found as deep as 330 feet.
- They eat small crustaceans and plankton, growing up to 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) long.
- These fish are mouthbrooders, meaning they carry their eggs in their mouths until they hatch.
- In the aquarium trade, B. tricoti being sold are actually B. horii, a separate species identified in 2008.
Benthochromis tricoti Habitat
Benthochromis tricoti is native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom of the lake, known as the benthopelagic zone.
The preferred water temperature for this fish ranges from 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C). It thrives in a tropical environment between latitudes of 3°S to 9°S.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Benthochromis tricoti Physical Characteristics
Size: 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters)
Benthochromis tricoti grows up to 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) long. It has 16 to 18 dorsal spines, 11 to 12 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 9 to 11 anal soft rays.
This fish also has between 35 to 37 vertebrae.
Key features for identifying Benthochromis tricoti include an eye length equal to or longer than the snout length (101% to 129%).
Benthochromis tricoti usually has a total of 28 to 29 dorsal fin rays. Large males’ pelvic fins are less than one-quarter of their standard body length.
There is no distinct pearl-grey line through the upper end of the pectoral fin base, but two pearl-grey lines on the body.
In terms of teeth and scales, there are between 44 and 69 outer teeth on the premaxilla (upper jaw).
The upper part of the lateral line contains around 45 to 56 scales, while the lower part has around 30 to 50 scales.
Benthochromis tricoti Reproduction
Benthochromis tricoti practices mouthbrooding. This means it carries and protects its eggs in its mouth until they hatch.
Benthochromis tricoti Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Benthochromis |
| Scientific Name: | Benthochromis tricoti |
| Also Known As: | Benthochromis tricoti |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |