Fin's Fish Guide
The Happy (Nyassachromis microcephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Malawi cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body with a fairly small head; courting males colour more brightly than the inconspicuous females. It lives over sandy, vegetated bottoms in shallow water and forms small schools in midwater. It feeds on zooplankton. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs in her mouth. 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 plain pattern. Fairly small head; plankton-eating, schooling mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy vegetated bottoms.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 15 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.
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.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nyassachromis
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.