Elongated Goby Cichlid
Teleocichla prionogenys
The thread-like 'Tapajos Goby Cichlid' (6-8 cm). The third extraordinary component of the South American genus of "suction-cup cichlids" without a swim bladder, the Teleocichla prionogenys represents the most hyper-elongated (serpentine) adaptation of the family. It comes from the very pure currents of the Rio Tapajos. It is distinguished from its cousins by its extremely pointed snout, curved back and pale, almost evanescent maculations on an olive or bright golden background. Extremely static but neurotic towards conspecifics, it requires turbulent waters and beds of round pebbles to survive captivity without getting sick or suffocating.
Water Temperature
26 - 30 °C
pH Value
6 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
8 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 100 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
1 - 5 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
25 - 95 ppm
Conductivity
39 - 148 uS/cm
Species description
Geographic Origin and Biotope: FishBase records Teleocichla prionogenys from the Amazon basin, in the Tapajós River at São Luis, Brazil. It records the species as freshwater, benthopelagic and tropical.
Taxonomy and Morphology: FishBase records maximum lengths of 5.7 cm SL for male/unsexed specimens and 5.6 cm SL for females.
Social Behaviour: This recovery makes no statement about social behaviour.
Colouration and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no statement about colouration or sexual dimorphism beyond the separately recorded sex-qualified maximum lengths.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Verified source data: FishBase records Teleocichla prionogenys as freshwater, benthopelagic and tropical. Its listed distribution is the Amazon River basin, in the Tapajós River at São Luis, Brazil. The listed maximum lengths are 5.7 cm SL for male/unsexed specimens and 5.6 cm SL for females.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Sud America (Bacino del fiume Tapajos, Brasile).
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- They exhibit a feisty and highly territorial temperament, particularly toward conspecifics and bottom dwellers. Despite their small size, they will boldly defend their chosen caves and resting spots. Providing ample space and hiding places is the best way to manage their territorial nature.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- They are specialized micropredators that feed on small aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, they should be offered high-quality frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Variety is key to preventing nutritional deficiencies.
- Life expectancy
- 2-5 years
- The average lifespan of this dwarf cichlid in the aquarium ranges from 2 to 5 years when kept under suitable conditions. Being a rheophilic fish with a high metabolic rate, thermal stability and absolute water purity are key factors. The onset of stress due to lack of oxygen or incorrect chemical parameters drastically reduces their life expectancy. Proper protein-rich feeding supports their overall vitality.
- Adult size
- 8 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 8 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 5.7 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Teleocichla prionogenys (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- Harem
- Maintaining a ratio of one male to multiple females can help disperse aggression. Males are generally more territorial and may fight if confined without adequate visual barriers. In smaller tanks, it is often best to keep a single compatible pair.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Due to their active nature and high metabolic rate, they require multiple small meals throughout the day. Feeding them two to three times daily is generally recommended to maintain their condition. Take care not to overfeed during any single meal to avoid compromising water quality.
- Bioload
- This species has a modest bioload due to its small size, though it is highly sensitive to water quality. Nitrogenous waste must be kept at undetectable levels through frequent water changes. A robust biological filtration system is essential for their long-term survival in captivity.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- As rheophilic cichlids native to fast-flowing rivers, they require extremely strong water currents. Specialized river-manifold setups or powerful powerheads should be used to simulate their natural environment. Subdued or stagnant flow will quickly lead to health issues and stress.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding is complex and requires pristine water conditions mimicking their native riverine habitats. They are cave spawners that typically utilize crevices among rocks or smooth stones. Raising the fry can be challenging, as they demand microscopic live foods immediately after hatching.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- They are best kept in species-only setups or with robust, fast-moving upper-water column dwellers that tolerate high flow. Caution is advised when mixing them with slow-moving fish, as their territorial behavior can cause stress. Invertebrates are at high risk of being eaten.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- They are strictly benthic fish that spend the vast majority of their time navigating the substrate. Their specialized body shape allows them to cling to the bottom in strong currents. The aquarium layout must focus on providing a complex bottom environment with smooth rocks.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3.1 ± 0.5 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.502
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.00776, b = 3.12
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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