Telmatochromis bifrenatus
(Lake Tanganyika dwarf cichlid)
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Telmatochromis bifrenatus Myers, 1936
Common name: Lake Tanganyika dwarf cichlid
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

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

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Telmatochromis bifrenatus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
FL198719871Oklawaha

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
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.

FishBase Summary
Author: Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus
Revision Date: 7/12/2012
Peer Review Date: 7/12/2012

Citation Information:
Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus, 2025, Telmatochromis bifrenatus Myers, 1936: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=479, Revision Date: 7/12/2012, Peer Review Date: 7/12/2012, Access Date: 3/28/2025

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.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/28/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



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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