Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi staurotaenia (Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Malawi staurotaenia is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a dark longitudinal stripe extending into the tail. It is a predator that hunts small fish in the open and rocky zones of the lake. Like other Malawi cichlids it is a mouthbrooder that protects the eggs and young in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Malawi staurotaenia?
The Malawi staurotaenia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender predatory cichlid body; mouthbrooder
Where does the Malawi staurotaenia live?
The Malawi staurotaenia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Malawi staurotaenia get?
The Malawi staurotaenia grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Malawi staurotaenia dangerous to humans?
No, the Malawi staurotaenia 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.
Is the Malawi staurotaenia edible?
The Malawi staurotaenia is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 staurotaenia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malawi staurotaenia is one of 12,519 species in the app.