Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi cichlid (Lethrinops macrochir) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Malawi cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body and a protrusible mouth. It lives mainly in shallow water over sandy bottoms, where it takes mouthfuls of sediment and sifts small invertebrates, insect larvae and worms from it. As a haplochromine 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 an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Protrusible mouth for sifting sand; maternal mouthbrooder on sandy bottoms of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Malawi cichlid live?
The Malawi cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sandy bottoms.
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 Lethrinops
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.