Fin's Fish Guide
The Evelyn's cichlid (Docimodus evelynae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Evelyn's cichlid is a remarkable cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, widespread in rocky and intermediate zones. It grows to about 20 cm. Striking is its shifting diet: juveniles eat aufwuchs and plankton, sub-adults pick fungus and skin from other fish, and adults feed on the skin and scales of catfish and other fish. Like most Lake Malawi cichlids it is a mouthbrooder. It is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Evelyn's cichlid?
The Evelyn's cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. The diet shifts with age towards eating the skin and scales of other fishes; mouthbrooder
Where does the Evelyn's cichlid live?
The Evelyn's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Evelyn's cichlid get?
The Evelyn's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Evelyn's cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Evelyn's 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 Evelyn's cichlid edible?
The Evelyn's cichlid is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Evelyn's cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Evelyn's cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Docimodus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Evelyn's cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Evelyn's cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.