| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
33 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,200.0 g |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Cunene River; possibly coastal rivers near Mossamedes, Angola; Okavango River and swamps; upper Zambezi River; Kafue River, Luangwa River; Shashi-Limpopo River (introduced). Also in the Lufira (Ref. 2970, 97233), Lake Mweru (Ref. 2266) and Lake Bangweulu region (upper Congo River basin) (Ref. 42135, 97233). |
| Diagnosis: |
Description: more slender than congeners; head large and pointed; mouth large; caudal fin truncate (Ref. 52307).
Coloration: head and body olive-green to olive-brown; most body scales with rusty brown to reddish dot at centre; dorsal and caudal fins grayish blue with many reddish maculae or dots; all coloration patterns much weaker in females; males very intensely-colored when courting, possessing yellow throat and breast (Ref. 52307). |
| Biology: |
Also caught with drawnets. The habitat preferences are strongly influenced by the presence or absence of the tigerfish Hydrocynus forskahlii: if the tigerfish is absent, S. thumbergi is found in open waters and sometimes in fast-flowing rocky habitats; in areas where the tigerfish occurs, S. thumbergi is relegated to lagoons, backwaters and marshy shallow areas. Feeds on small fish, insects and snails (Ref. 6465). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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