Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye Malawi tigerfish (Rhamphochromis macrophthalmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The bigeye Malawi tigerfish is a slender predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery, streamlined body with conspicuously large eyes and a large mouth with sharp teeth. As an open-water predator it hunts smaller fish, also in deeper and dim water. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish?
The Bigeye Malawi tigerfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish live?
The Bigeye Malawi tigerfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
How big does the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish get?
The Bigeye Malawi tigerfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish 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 Bigeye Malawi tigerfish edible?
Yes, the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhamphochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye Malawi tigerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.