Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi cichlid (Gephyrochromis lawsi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
Laws's Malawi cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species is slender; males are more handsomely coloured in the spawning season. It usually keeps at greater depth, where the steep rocky coast gives way to sand, and forages over sandy patches. With fine teeth it sifts small bottom life and growth from the sand. As a cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Malawi cichlid?
The Malawi cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Forages at the transition from rock to sand; sieves small bottom life, maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Malawi cichlid live?
The Malawi cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; rock-sand transitions.
How big does the Malawi cichlid get?
The Malawi cichlid grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Malawi cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Malawi cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Malawi cichlid edible?
The Malawi cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gephyrochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Malawi cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malawi cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.