Fin's Fish Guide
The Purpleface largemouth (Serranochromis macrocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Fresh water of southern and Central Africa (including the Zambezi and Congo basins), in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and lakes.
Description
The purpleface largemouth is a large, streamlined African cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 35 cm. The silvery-grey body with blue and yellow sheen has a notably large head and a wide mouth full of small teeth, adaptations to life as a piscivore. The species comes from the Zambezi and Congo basins of southern and Central Africa and lives in quiet, vegetated rivers, swamps and lakes. As a predator it hunts mainly other fish, supplemented with shrimp and large aquatic insects. Like many African cichlids it is a mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. With its size and fighting spirit it is a valued angling and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purpleface largemouth?
The Purpleface largemouth has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, streamlined African predatory cichlid with a large head and a mouth full of small teeth; the female broods the eggs in her mouth.
Where does the Purpleface largemouth live?
The Purpleface largemouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of southern and Central Africa (including the Zambezi and Congo basins), in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and lakes.
How big does the Purpleface largemouth get?
The Purpleface largemouth grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Purpleface largemouth dangerous to humans?
No, the Purpleface largemouth is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Purpleface largemouth edible?
Yes, the Purpleface largemouth is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Serranochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Purpleface largemouth?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purpleface largemouth is one of 12,519 species in the app.