Fin's Fish Guide
The Cichlid (Taeniolethrinops laticeps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species is elongate with a fairly broad head; males are more handsomely coloured in the spawning season. It lives over sandy bottoms, where it takes in mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cichlid?
The Cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Fairly broad head; sifts sand for invertebrates, maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Cichlid live?
The Cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy bottoms.
How big does the Cichlid get?
The Cichlid grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cichlid edible?
The Cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Taeniolethrinops
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.