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Longfin largemouth (Serranochromis longimanus) — Cichlidae

Longfin largemouth

Serranochromis longimanus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Longfin largemouth (Serranochromis longimanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Africa; permanent lagoons and backwaters of floodplains.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The longfin largemouth is an African cichlid (Cichlidae) from southern Africa. The species has a robust, elongate body with a large, widely distensible mouth. It is very common in permanent floodplain lagoons and backwaters. Nocturnally it hunts as a predator mainly on small fishes, supplemented with crustaceans. As a cichlid it is a caring brood-tender. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longfin largemouth?

The Longfin largemouth has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, widely gaping mouth; nocturnal fish-eating predatory cichlid of floodplains.

Where does the Longfin largemouth live?

The Longfin largemouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Africa; permanent lagoons and backwaters of floodplains.

How big does the Longfin largemouth get?

The Longfin largemouth grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Longfin largemouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Longfin largemouth is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Longfin largemouth edible?

Yes, the Longfin largemouth is commonly eaten.

More photos

Longfin largemouth (Serranochromis longimanus) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Longfin largemouth verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis longimanus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Longfin largemouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal 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
Southern Africa; permanent lagoons and backwaters of floodplains. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly small fishes, supplemented with crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary 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
Large, widely gaping mouth; nocturnal fish-eating predatory cichlid of floodplains. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Serranochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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