Fin's Fish Guide
The Basket hap (Mylochromis lateristriga) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
The basket hap is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, occurring mainly in the southern part. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a silvery body with a distinctive diagonal stripe across the flank. It usually lives in shallow, sandy and vegetated water in sheltered bays and feeds on crustaceans. Like most haplochromine cichlids of Lake Malawi it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Basket hap?
The Basket hap has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Characteristic oblique stripe on the flank; maternal mouthbrooder
Where does the Basket hap live?
The Basket hap lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Basket hap get?
The Basket hap grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Basket hap dangerous to humans?
No, the Basket hap is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Basket hap edible?
The Basket hap is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mylochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Basket hap?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Basket hap is one of 12,519 species in the app.