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White-lipped placidochromis (Placidochromis phenochilus) — Cichlidae

White-lipped placidochromis

Placidochromis phenochilus
Family: Cichlidae

The White-lipped placidochromis (Placidochromis phenochilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The white-lipped placidochromis is a cichlid from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm and has an elongate, glossy blue body with conspicuously thick, white lips. As a bottom-dweller it often follows larger, sand-digging cichlids and picks up small invertebrates released by their digging. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is prized in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the White-lipped placidochromis?

The White-lipped placidochromis has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the White-lipped placidochromis live?

The White-lipped placidochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the White-lipped placidochromis get?

The White-lipped placidochromis grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the White-lipped placidochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the White-lipped placidochromis is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Witlip-cichlide sourced
English name
White-lipped placidochromis sourced
Scientific name
Placidochromis phenochilus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Placidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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