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Freiberg's mbuna (Labidochromis freibergi) — Cichlidae

Freiberg's mbuna

Labidochromis freibergi
Family: Cichlidae

The Freiberg's mbuna (Labidochromis freibergi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1.0–12.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Freiberg's mbuna is an mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, bluish to yellowish body; males and females often differ in colour. As a territorial rock-dweller it picks small invertebrates and algae from the growth on stones with its pointed mouth. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Freiberg's mbuna?

The Freiberg's mbuna has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Freiberg's mbuna live?

The Freiberg's mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Freiberg's mbuna get?

The Freiberg's mbuna grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Freiberg's mbuna dangerous to humans?

No, the Freiberg's mbuna is harmless to humans.

Is the Freiberg's mbuna edible?

Yes, the Freiberg's mbuna is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Freibergs mbuna sourced
English name
Freiberg's mbuna sourced
Scientific name
Labidochromis freibergi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
12.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Labidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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