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Haplochromis torpedo stripe (Mylochromis gracilis) — Cichlidae

Haplochromis torpedo stripe

Mylochromis gracilis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Haplochromis torpedo stripe (Mylochromis gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy bottoms.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Malawi cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate, slender body; courting males colour more brightly than the females. It has been observed over sandy bottoms and preys mainly on small fishes, especially other cichlids, and on invertebrates. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Haplochromis torpedo stripe?

The Haplochromis torpedo stripe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, fish-eating predatory cichlid of sandy bottoms; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.

Where does the Haplochromis torpedo stripe live?

The Haplochromis torpedo stripe 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 Haplochromis torpedo stripe get?

The Haplochromis torpedo stripe grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Haplochromis torpedo stripe dangerous to humans?

No, the Haplochromis torpedo stripe is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Haplochromis torpedo stripe edible?

The Haplochromis torpedo stripe is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Haplochromis torpedo stripe verified
Scientific name
Mylochromis gracilis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly small fishes (other cichlids) and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Slender, fish-eating predatory cichlid of sandy bottoms; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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