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),[2] but has been recorded somewhat deeper, even in waters virtually devoid of oxygen.

[3] This species is a scale eater, consuming the scales off of other fishes, but will also feed on copepods.

[2] It can reach a total length of up to 30 cm (12 in).

[2] 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.