Sardine Cichlid, is a freshwater fish known by its scientific name Cyprichromis leptosoma. It belongs to the Cichlidae family and carries its babies in its mouth.
This fish is only found in Lake Tanganyika, located in Zambia and Tanzania. It’s quite common there and not under threat, so it’s not a major conservation concern.
Sardine Cichlids are social fish and live near rocky slopes in the lake.
They have an interesting behavior where they often stay still with their heads down, earning them the nickname “Headstanders.”
Their main diet consists of drifting zooplankton and shellfish.
The female Sardine Cichlids carry their young ones inside their mouths for protection during early development stages.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Sardine Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Sardine Cichlids are found only in Lake Tanganyika, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- They are known as “Headstanders” due to their unique behavior of staying still with their heads down.
- Females carry their young in their mouths for protection during early development stages.
- Their diet consists mainly of drifting zooplankton and shellfish.
Sardine Cichlid Habitat
Sardine Cichlid is native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom of the lake (benthopelagic).
The ideal water pH range is 8.0 to 9.0, with a hardness (dH) between 9 to 19.
This fish prefers temperatures from 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C). Sardine Cichlid is found in tropical areas between latitudes of 3°S to 10°S.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 8.0 to 9.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 9 to 19 dH |
Sardine Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Sardine Cichlid grows up to 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters) long. It has 12 to 13 dorsal spines and 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays.
The fish also has three anal spines and 10 to 12 anal soft rays. There are 35 to 37 vertebrae in its body.
Sardine Cichlid Reproduction
Female Sardine Cichlids, which are about 6.8 to 7.6 cm long, carry eggs and baby fish (up to 1.88 cm) in their mouths for protection during the early stages of development.
Sardine Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Cyprichromis |
| Scientific Name: | Cyprichromis leptosoma |
| Also Known As: | Sardine Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |