Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown mbuna (Pseudotropheus fuscus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in the shallow rocky zone (the mbuna zone).
Description
The brown mbuna is a small rock-dwelling cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 11 cm and endemic to Lake Malawi. The body is mainly brown with a bluish or yellowish tinge and often faint cross-bars; males are usually more vividly coloured than females. The species belongs to the mbuna, the colourful rock cichlids that live along the lake's rocky shores. With its mouth it grazes the algal growth (aufwuchs) off the stones, together with small invertebrates within it. Males are strongly territorial and defend a patch of rock. Like other mbuna it is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the fertilised eggs and the larvae in her mouth until they are large enough.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown mbuna?
The Brown mbuna has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small rock cichlid (mbuna) from Lake Malawi; territorial, with the mouthbrooding reproduction typical of mbuna.
Where does the Brown mbuna live?
The Brown mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in the shallow rocky zone (the mbuna zone).
How big does the Brown mbuna get?
The Brown mbuna grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Brown mbuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown mbuna is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown mbuna edible?
The Brown mbuna is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Brown mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudotropheus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.