The Emperor cichlid is the common name for Boulengerochromis microlepis, a tremendous sized cichlid from Lake Tanganyika Africa. This cichlid fish is said to be the largest cichlid in the world with species of the genus Cichla trailing behind, you can check out Peacock cichlid bass here.

 

This cichlid is a monotypic species which means it is the only species in its genus, Boulengerochromis. As a large fish this cichlid is predatory and that’s not surprise, it will hunt down and eat whatever it can fit in its mouth. Another common name for this cichlid is the Giant Cichlid whose geographic range includes the countries of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia where it is desirable as food for locals.

 

Interestingly this fish has no known predators yet it is listed as an endangered fish on the IUCN Red List of endangered species classified as least concern with a major threat of potential over-fishing and sedimentation. This species has been recorded as being successfully spawned in the aquarium. In terms of color and shape this fish is actually beautiful with interesting finnage. Males are larger and more colorful than females. Their bodies are elongated and designed to hunt with power and speed. If you fancy large beautiful fish like Arrowana, Peacock bass or Wolf cichlids, this large African Cichlid fits the bill.