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Hook-jaw hunter (Exochochromis anagenys) — Cichlidae

Hook-jaw hunter

Exochochromis anagenys
Family: Cichlidae

The Hook-jaw hunter (Exochochromis anagenys) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
5.0–126.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The hook-jaw hunter is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, streamlined body with a pointed, slightly hooked jaw; dominant males colour up bright blue. As a fast predator it hunts small fish along the rocky shore and sometimes picks scales. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hook-jaw hunter?

The Hook-jaw hunter has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Hook-jaw hunter live?

The Hook-jaw hunter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Hook-jaw hunter get?

The Hook-jaw hunter grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Hook-jaw hunter dangerous to humans?

No, the Hook-jaw hunter is harmless to humans.

Is the Hook-jaw hunter edible?

Yes, the Hook-jaw hunter is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Snavelbek-roofcichlide sourced
English name
Hook-jaw hunter sourced
Scientific name
Exochochromis anagenys
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Threespot torpedo verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
126.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Cichlidae

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