Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi cichlid (Aristochromis christyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Malawi cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species is large and elongate with a pointed head and a large mouth; males are bluish coloured. It lives mainly in transition zones where rock and sand meet. As a pronounced fish-eating predator it hunts smaller cichlids and other fishes. 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 a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Pointed head and large mouth; fish-eating Malawi predatory cichlid, 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 30 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
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.