The Christy's lethrinops (Lethrinops christyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
Christy's lethrinops is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body and a protrusible mouth with which it digs into soft bottom. It lives over sandy bottoms, where it takes mouthfuls of sediment and sifts small invertebrates, insect larvae and worms from it. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Christy's lethrinops?
The Christy's lethrinops has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Christy's lethrinops live?
The Christy's lethrinops lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Christy's lethrinops get?
The Christy's lethrinops grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Christy's lethrinops dangerous to humans?
No, the Christy's lethrinops is harmless to humans.
Is the Christy's lethrinops edible?
The Christy's lethrinops is rarely eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinops
More from the family Cichlidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.