Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Corematodus taeniatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The striped scale-eater is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body with a lengthwise stripe and closely resembles the sand-dwelling cichlids it mixes with. That resemblance is a ruse: it scrapes scales from the flanks of those fish it mimics and eats them. It prefers shallow water but sometimes penetrates deeper. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Mimics sand cichlids in order to scrape off and eat their scales; maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy zones.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Happy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
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.