Fourspine cichlid
📖 Overview
Sand-dweller. Feeds on mollusks, insect larvae, and fish. N. tetracanthus is not a typical crusher of mollusk shells but it is able to suck the mollusk out of its shell .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Fourspine cichlid is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fourspine cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.5 - 8.0; dH range: 12 - 15, usually 6 - 12 m . Tropical; 23°C - 25°C ; 3°S - 9°S Endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is widely distributed.
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, insect larvae, and fish
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Fourspine 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
Detailed nutritional data for Fourspine cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fourspine 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 | Fourspine Cichlid |
| 🌍CES | pestřenec tečkovaný |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | piikkiluola-ahven |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Перламутровый лампрологус |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamprologus brevianalis | Boulenger | 1906 | Synonym |
| Lamprologus marginatus | Boulenger | 1914 | Synonym |
| Lamprologus tetracanthus | Boulenger | 1899 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Fourspine cichlid.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 86 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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