Giant cichlid
📖 Overview
Giant cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis), first described by Boulenger, 1899 is a large fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 80.00 cm in maximum length and up to 4.500 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.The species is important as a food fish, valued as a game and sport species, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cichlidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Giant cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Deposits eggs in abandoned nests of other cichlids, in between stones, or in the sand, if no nests are available .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 9.0 - ? ; dH range: 10 - ?; depth range ? - 85 m. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 3°S - 9°S Endemic to and widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Giant cichlid 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 549 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Giant cichlid 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 |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Giant Cichlid · Giant Tanganyika Cichlid |
| 🌍CES | tlamovec malošupinatý |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | jättikirjoahven |
| 🇰🇷Korean | 쿠피 |
| 🌍RUN | Inguhe |
| 🌍SWA | Kuhe |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Kejsarciklid |
| 🌍THA | ปลาไจแอนท์แทนกันยีกา |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulengerochromis microlepsis | Boulenger | 1899 | Synonym |
| Paratilapia microlepis | Boulenger | 1899 | Synonym |
| Tilapia microlepis | Boulenger | 1899 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Giant cichlid.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 118 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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