Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Mylochromis ericotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
The striped hap is a cichlid from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 21 cm and has an elongate, silver-blue body with an oblique dark longitudinal stripe, characteristic of the genus Mylochromis. As a bottom-oriented hunter it lives over sand and transitional bottoms and probes the sand with its mouth for small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Oblique longitudinal stripe; sand-rooting mouthbrooder
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 21 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mylochromis
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.