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Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) — Cichlidae

Lowveld largemouth

Serranochromis meridianus
Family: Cichlidae

The Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

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Description

The lowveld largemouth is a predatory cichlid from fresh water of rivers in southeastern Africa. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a deep, silver-grey body with rows of small glittering spots and a large, protrusible mouth. As a bottom-oriented predator it hunts smaller fish and crustaceans in clear rivers and pools. It is a mouthbrooder. Through its limited range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lowveld largemouth?

The Lowveld largemouth has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Lowveld largemouth live?

The Lowveld largemouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

How big does the Lowveld largemouth get?

The Lowveld largemouth grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.

Is the Lowveld largemouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Lowveld largemouth 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.

More photos

Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) — Cichlidae — 3
Zinzi Somana (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Deacon (CC0)
Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Andrew Deacon (CC0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Lowveld largemouth sourced
Scientific name
Serranochromis meridianus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Lowveld Largemouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
First aid
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. verified

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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