Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Corematodus shiranus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The Shire scale-eater is a remarkable cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi and the Shire River in East Africa. The species grows to about 27 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body. Remarkable is its diet: it is a scale eater that swims along with schools of larger cichlids and uses specialised teeth to rasp scales off their flanks and eat them. It is itself a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Scale-eater that rasps scales off larger cichlids; mouthbrooder
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi (endemic)
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Happy 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 Happy edible?
The Happy is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Corematodus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Happy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Happy is one of 12,519 species in the app.