Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigmouth hap (Tyrannochromis macrostoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The bigmouth hap is a large predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 35 cm and has an elongate body with a very large mouth, to which the name refers; courting males colour up bluish. It lives over rocky areas in shallow water. As a piscivore it hunts around rocks and into cracks for unwary prey, especially small rock cichlids (mbuna). It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigmouth hap?
The Bigmouth hap has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Very large mouth; hunts mbuna around rocks; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Bigmouth hap live?
The Bigmouth hap lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; rocky shallow zones.
How big does the Bigmouth hap get?
The Bigmouth hap grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Bigmouth hap dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigmouth hap is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigmouth hap edible?
The Bigmouth hap is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tyrannochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigmouth hap?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigmouth hap is one of 12,519 species in the app.