Photo: WaylonSummers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Enigmatic cichlid
Enigmatochromis lucanusi
6 cm
Adult size
80 L
Minimum volume
2
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Enigmatochromis
- Diet
- detritivore and géophage
- Social life
- small group
In the wild
Overview
Described in 2009 by the German ichthyologist Anton Lamboj, this small West African cichlid required a new genus, Enigmatochromis, so much did its features set it apart from its close relatives: hence the name “enigmatic cichlid”. It measures only about 4.5 cm without the tail.
It belongs to the African riverine cichlids (Pseudocrenilabrinae), close to Pelvicachromis. Its species name honours Oliver Lucanus, an explorer and photographer specialising in freshwater fish. It has not yet been assessed by the IUCN.
- Scientific name
- Enigmatochromis lucanusi Lamboj, 2009
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Foto River, near Fria, coastal Guinea (West Africa)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It is known only from its type locality, the Foto River, a small savannah river near the bauxite-mining town of Fria, in coastal Guinea, north of Conakry.
It lives there alongside Pelvicachromis humilis, in soft, acidic water. Its tiny range, in a mining region, makes it potentially vulnerable.
Behaviour
Like the small West African cichlids it is related to, it lives in pairs or small groups, defends a modest territory and sifts the substrate for food (detritus, small invertebrates).
In the aquarium it needs soft, acidic water, fine sand, dead leaves and hiding places, with peaceful companions. Reference sources still give few details on its biology.