Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi sanddiver (Fossorochromis rostratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Description
The Malawi sanddiver is a large cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm; courting males turn bright blue with orange. It often occurs over sand in shallow areas off sandy beaches. With its mouth it takes large mouthfuls of sand, sifts out insect larvae and small crustaceans and spits the sand back out. When threatened it can bury itself in the sand. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Malawi sanddiver?
The Malawi sanddiver has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Sifts sand for invertebrates and can bury itself; maternal mouthbrooder of Lake Malawi.
Where does the Malawi sanddiver live?
The Malawi sanddiver lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; sand in shallow zones.
How big does the Malawi sanddiver get?
The Malawi sanddiver grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Malawi sanddiver dangerous to humans?
No, the Malawi sanddiver is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Malawi sanddiver edible?
The Malawi sanddiver is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Malawi sanddiver?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malawi sanddiver is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 sanddiver?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malawi sanddiver is one of 12,519 species in the app.