aquarium
📖 Overview
aquarium (Benthochromis melanoides) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18.2 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Vertebrae: 35. Diagnosis: eye length usually longer than snout length (112-132%); usually 28-29 total dorsal fin rays; pelvic fins of large males
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooder .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 3°S - 9°S Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
🌿 Ecology
small crustacens as well as plankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"aquarium is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for aquarium is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for aquarium has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇫🇮Finnish | syväsulkahautoja |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haplotaxodon melanoides | Poll | 1984 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect aquarium.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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