Fin's Fish Guide
The Malawi trout cichlid (Champsochromis spilorhynchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Malawi trout cichlid is a large predatory cichlid from Lake Malawi and the upper Shire in East Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery-blue body reminiscent of a trout. It hunts other fish over sandy and muddy bottoms. Like other Malawi cichlids it is a mouthbrooder: the female carries more than a hundred young in her mouth. Through pressure on the population it is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Malawi trout cichlid?
The Malawi trout cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender trout-like predatory cichlid; mouthbrooder with 100+ juveniles
Where does the Malawi trout cichlid live?
The Malawi trout cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Malawi trout cichlid get?
The Malawi trout cichlid grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Malawi trout cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Malawi trout cichlid 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 trout cichlid edible?
Yes, the Malawi trout cichlid is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Champsochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Malawi trout cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Malawi trout cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.