Fin's Fish Guide
The Mbuna cichlid (Labidochromis vellicans) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The mbuna cichlid is a rock cichlid (mbuna, Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body and a fine, tweezer-like mouth with forward-pointing teeth. It usually lives solitary over rocky bottoms and picks small invertebrates from the algal mat (aufwuchs) and crevices with its pointed mouth. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mbuna cichlid?
The Mbuna cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Fine, tweezer-like mouth to pick invertebrates from aufwuchs; maternal rock mbuna.
Where does the Mbuna cichlid live?
The Mbuna cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; rocky bottoms.
How big does the Mbuna cichlid get?
The Mbuna cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Mbuna cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Mbuna cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mbuna cichlid edible?
The Mbuna cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labidochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Mbuna cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mbuna cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.