Fin's Fish Guide
The Red top afra (Cynotilapia afra) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The dogtooth mbuna is a small mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and occurs in many colour morphs; courting males are often bright blue with dark crossbars, females plainer. It is common in the upper part of the rocky, often sediment-laden biotope of the lake. With pointed, dog-like teeth it picks zooplankton from the water column and grazes aufwuchs from the rocks. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red top afra?
The Red top afra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Pointed, dog-like teeth for picking plankton and grazing algae; many colour variants, mouthbrooder.
Where does the Red top afra live?
The Red top afra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; upper part of the rocky zone.
How big does the Red top afra get?
The Red top afra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Red top afra dangerous to humans?
No, the Red top afra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red top afra edible?
The Red top afra is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red top afra is one of 12,519 species in the app.