Giant cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis)

Scientific name: Boulengerochromis microlepis Boulenger, 1899

The Giant cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Africa, Endemic to and widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika.

Giant cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Inhabits near-shore surface waters. Firm flesh is highly valued. Largest African cichlid.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Boulengerochromis microlepis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 65.0
Depth range: 85 m (279 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 9.0 - ?; dH range: 10 - ? pelagic; depth range ? - 85 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to and widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.56; tm=2.5; Fec=10,000)