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Happy (Placidochromis subocularis) — Cichlidae

Happy

Placidochromis subocularis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Happy (Placidochromis subocularis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
15.0–18.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Placidochromis cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body; courting males colour up. It has been observed in the intermediate sand-rock habitat and also over open sand. On the bottom it feeds on invertebrates, including snails and insect larvae. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Happy?

The Happy has an elongate, eel-like 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 16 cm.

Is the Happy dangerous to humans?

No, the Happy is harmless to humans.

Is the Happy edible?

The Happy is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Subocularis-malawicichlide sourced
English name
Happy verified
Scientific name
Placidochromis subocularis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal 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
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
18.0 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 Placidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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