Xenochromis hecqui

Description

Xenochromis hecqui is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It is mainly found at depths of 6–100 m (20–328 ft), but has been recorded somewhat deeper, even in waters virtually devoid of oxygen. This species is a scale eater, consuming the scales off of other fishes, but will also feed on copepods. It can reach a total length of up to 30 cm (12 in). Currently it is the only known member of its genus. The specific name honours the Belgian Lieutenant Célestin Hecq (1859-1910), a member of the Belgian colonial forces fighting the slave trade who collected the type of this species.