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Lethrinops red flush (Lethrinops parvidens) — Cichlidae

Lethrinops red flush

Lethrinops parvidens
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Lethrinops red flush (Lethrinops parvidens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; shallow sandy areas.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Lethrinops cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body with a pointed snout; courting males colour up. It is common in shallow sandy areas, where it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts them out. It feeds on insect larvae and small crustaceans that it filters from the sediment. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lethrinops red flush?

The Lethrinops red flush has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sifts sand in search of insect larvae; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.

Where does the Lethrinops red flush live?

The Lethrinops red flush lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; shallow sandy areas.

How big does the Lethrinops red flush get?

The Lethrinops red flush grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Lethrinops red flush dangerous to humans?

No, the Lethrinops red flush is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Lethrinops red flush edible?

The Lethrinops red flush is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lethrinops red flush verified
Scientific name
Lethrinops parvidens
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; shallow sandy areas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae and small crustaceans, sifted from sand sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Sifts sand in search of insect larvae; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lethrinops

More from the family Cichlidae

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