Neolamprologus Timidus

📖 Overview

This shy species is observed at depths varying from 2 to 40 m in a dark rocky biotope, and encountered in pairs defending a territory over a dark cave difficult to access; the territory was often located to a large rock or boulder, which, if large enough was inhabited also by other species like Neolamprologus furcifer and Julidochromis regani; almost always found upside down in cave with belly close to substrate .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 19 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12. Diagnosis: Neolamprologus timidus is distinguished from the most similar species, Neolamprologus furcifer, in scaled cheek vs. naked; first soft ray of pelvic fin longer than second vs. second ray longer than first; pectoral fin reaching beyond base of first anal-fin spine vs. shorter; absence of dark spot at caudal-fin base in adults vs. presence; longer head, 34.2-35.5% of standard length vs. 31.2-33.8%; longer pectoral fin, 29.3-353.7% of standard length vs. 23.4-31.3%; and pectoral fin in life light yellow or transparent vs. orange . It is distinguished from all other lamprologin species except Lepidiolamprologus profundicola, Neolamprologus ventralis and N. leloupi in fully scaled cheek vs. scales absent from cheek or present only posterodorsally . It is distinguished from Neolamprologus leloupi by the shape of the caudal fin, which is deeply emarginate, with long streamers vs. posterior margin concave, streamers absent; colour overall dark, with indistinct darker horizontal stripes vs. overall light, with faint brown zigzag lines along side; 49-62 scales in a longitudinal row vs. about 30; dorsal-fin rays XIX-XXI,7-8 vs. XVII,9; and gill rakers 11-13 vs. 6 . It is distinguished from Neolamprologus ventralis by caudal-fin shape deeply emarginate, with long streamers vs. rounded, subtruncate or slightly emarginate with rounded lobes; colour overall dark with indistinct darker horizontal stripes vs. overall light, scales with light brown margins; unpaired fin dark, with few, indistinct spots vs. numerous light spots all over unpaired fins; and 49-62 scales in a longitudinal row vs. 34-37 . It is distinguished from Lepidiolamprologus profundicolaby caudal-fin shape deeply emarginate with long streamers vs. truncate or slightly emarginate; longer pectoral fin, reaching beyond base of first anal-fin spine vs. not reaching vent; single neurocranial lateral line foramen 0 vs. double; dermosphenotic absent vs. present; and labial cartilage not ossified vs. ossified . : elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Neolamprologus Timidus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Neolamprologus Timidus is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Neolamprologus Timidus is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 2 - 40 m . Tropical south to Kisi Island (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute