Fin's Fish Guide
The Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal (Lethrinops microstoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The littletooth sandeater is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, including off Cape Maclear, Likoma and Senga Bay. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a small, specialised mouth. It lives on shallow sand and intermediate bottoms and migrates to deeper water outside the breeding season; with its mouth it sifts sand to obtain benthic invertebrates. Like most Lake Malawi cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal?
The Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small mouth; sifts sand for invertebrates; maternal mouthbrooder
Where does the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal live?
The Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal get?
The Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal dangerous to humans?
No, the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal 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 Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal edible?
The Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinops
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lethrinops yellow-black dorsal is one of 12,519 species in the app.