Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Mchenga eucinostomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; shallow, wave-washed sandy bottoms.
Description
The sand-digging cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a streamlined body; courting males show blue tints. It is common in shallow shore zones of the lake, over wave-washed sand bottoms. As a plankton feeder it picks zooplankton from the open water column. In the breeding season the males build a structure (bower) on the sand bottom to attract females. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Plankton-eating utaka cichlid; males build a sand structure (bower) to attract females, 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; shallow, wave-washed sandy bottoms.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 14 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 rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mchenga
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.