Home · Cichlidae · Happy
Happy (Mylochromis anaphyrmus) — Cichlidae

Happy

Mylochromis anaphyrmus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Happy (Mylochromis anaphyrmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The sandsifter mylochromis is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a streamlined body; courting males show bluish and yellow tints. It is common on sandy coasts and prefers the part of the sandy shore where a thin layer of silt supports rich bottom life. With its mouth it takes mouthfuls of sand and silt from which it sifts small invertebrates and molluscs. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Happy?

The Happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Happy live?

The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Happy get?

The Happy grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Happy dangerous to humans?

No, the Happy is harmless to humans.

Is the Happy edible?

The Happy is rarely eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slijkzand-cichlide sourced
English name
Happy verified
Scientific name
Mylochromis anaphyrmus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →