Fin's Fish Guide
The Heterodon mbuna (Labidochromis heterodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The heterodon mbuna is a small rock-dwelling cichlid (mbuna) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, often bluish body with dark vertical bars, typical of the mbuna. As a rock-dweller it lives in the shallow, rocky shore zone and grazes aufwuchs (algal film) and small invertebrates from the stones with fine teeth. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known mainly from the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Heterodon mbuna?
The Heterodon mbuna has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Aufwuchs-grazing rock cichlid; mouthbrooder
Where does the Heterodon mbuna live?
The Heterodon mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Heterodon mbuna get?
The Heterodon mbuna grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Heterodon mbuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Heterodon mbuna 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 Heterodon mbuna edible?
The Heterodon mbuna is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labidochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Heterodon mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Heterodon mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.