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Boadzulu cichlid (Nyassachromis boadzulu) — Cichlidae

Boadzulu cichlid

Nyassachromis boadzulu
Family: Cichlidae

The Boadzulu cichlid (Nyassachromis boadzulu) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Boadzulu cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm; the male in breeding dress is often blue with iridescent tints, the female silver-grey. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims above sand near rocks and snaps at small invertebrates, insect larvae and plankton. The female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Boadzulu cichlid?

The Boadzulu cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Boadzulu cichlid live?

The Boadzulu cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi

How big does the Boadzulu cichlid get?

The Boadzulu cichlid grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Boadzulu cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Boadzulu cichlid 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 Boadzulu cichlid edible?

Yes, the Boadzulu cichlid is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Boadzulu cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nyassachromis boadzulu
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Malawi sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nyassachromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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