Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Lake Tanganyika dwarf cichlid

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics and keys to Lake Tanganyika cichlid genera and members of the genus Telmatochromis were given by Brichard (1978). Color photographs were given in Brichard (1978), Axelrod et al. (1985), Konings (1988), and Axelrod (1993).

Size: 9-10 cm TL (Maréchal and Poll 1991;Axelrod 1993)

Native Range: Tropical Africa. Lake Tanganyika (Brichard 1978; Maréchal and Poll 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release

Status: There have been no more reports, so the species has likely failed in Florida.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Remarks: Voucher specimens: Florida (UF 47323).

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R. 1993. The most complete colored lexicon of cichlids. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Brichard, P. 1978. Fishes of Lake Tanganyika. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Konings, A. 1988. Tanganvika cichlids. Verduijn Cichlids & Lake Fish Movies, Zevenhuizen, Holland. 272 p.

Maréchal, C. and M. Poll. 1991. Telmatochromis. p 474-478. In J. Daget, J.P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Checklist of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC. Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Telmatochromis bifrenatus

Author: Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus

Peer Review Date: 7/12/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.