Fin's Fish Guide
The Longfin sandsifter (Lethrinops longipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The longfin sandsifter is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm and inhabits open sandy areas at greater depth. With a downward-protrusible mouth it digs and sifts sand to extract insect larvae and other soft invertebrates, a specialised feeding mode of the genus Lethrinops. The body is silvery; males develop elongated fins in the breeding season, to which the name refers. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longfin sandsifter?
The Longfin sandsifter has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Protrusible mouth to sieve sand; males with elongated fins in the spawning season.
Where does the Longfin sandsifter live?
The Longfin sandsifter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; deep sandy zones.
How big does the Longfin sandsifter get?
The Longfin sandsifter grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Longfin sandsifter dangerous to humans?
No, the Longfin sandsifter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longfin sandsifter edible?
The Longfin sandsifter is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Longfin sandsifter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longfin sandsifter is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Longfin sandsifter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longfin sandsifter is one of 12,519 species in the app.