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Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae

Speckleface bream

Serranochromis angusticeps
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The thinface largemouth (Serranochromis angusticeps) is a large predatory cichlid from southern Africa, including the Zambezi and Okavango systems. The species has a streamlined, silvery-green body with a notably large mouth and a pointed head, and reaches about 41 cm. It occurs in well-vegetated swamps and along river banks, but also in fast-flowing sections over sand and rocks. As an ambush predator it hunts mainly small fishes, which it catches among the water plants. Like other Serranochromis species it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is a valued sport and food fish that is fished commercially in places.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speckleface bream?

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

Where does the Speckleface bream live?

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

How big does the Speckleface bream get?

The Speckleface bream grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Speckleface bream dangerous to humans?

No, the Speckleface bream is harmless to humans.

Is the Speckleface bream edible?

Yes, the Speckleface bream is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Smalkop-roofcichlide sourced
English name
Speckleface bream verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis angusticeps
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Thinface bream; Thinface cichlid; Thinface largebream; Thinface largemouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
8.5 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met levend aasvisje of kunstaas langs begroeide oevers en rietkragen; pakt het aas vaak fel. sourced
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 Serranochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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