Bristol Zoo ProjectBristol Zoo Project HomeBristol Zoo Project Home
Book
Give
Crocodile resting underwater on a rocky surface surrounded by small fish and driftwood.

Lake Barombi Mbo cichlids

Several silver-blue fish swimming near a piece of driftwood in a clear aquarium.

We have several species of cichlid at Bristol Zoo Project, which all originate from Lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon.

You can visit them in the pool they share with our slender-snouted crocodile as part of the brand-new African Forest habitat.

Crocodile resting underwater on a rocky surface surrounded by small fish and driftwood.

Fun Fact

As mouth brooders, female cichlids lay eggs which are then fertilised by the males. The females then scoop them into their mouths to be protected!

Silver fish swimming among green aquatic plants, with translucent fins and a visible eye.

Conservation

All species of cichlid in Lake Barombi Mbo are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, due to sedimentation, pollution, overfishing and gas emissions.

Our cichlids are part of a conservation breeding programme with EAZA, in order to secure a safer future for these species.

Crocodile resting underwater on a rocky surface surrounded by small fish and driftwood.

Habitat

The cichlids in African Forest live in the crocodile house, sharing their habitat with our slender-snouted crocodile.

Their 100,000 litre pool has been designed to mimic the watery spaces of west Africa, with lots of vegetation and small spaces in the rocks and roots to explore and hide away in.

Crocodile resting underwater on a rocky surface surrounded by small fish and driftwood.

Visit the cichlids at Bristol Zoo Project

Watch the cichlids swim and explore their underwater habitat in African Forest.