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Nembwe (Serranochromis robustus) — Cichlidae

Nembwe

Serranochromis robustus
Family: Cichlidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Nembwe (Serranochromis robustus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 56 cm.

Length
56 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
2.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The yellow-belly bream is a large, piscivorous cichlid (family Cichlidae) of Lake Malawi and connected waters in East Africa. The species grows to about 56 cm and has a robust, elongate body with a yellowish belly and a large mouth. It mainly inhabits complex habitats in water shallower than 10 m, near river outlets and at the rock/sand interface, among submerged vegetation and reed beds. As a predator it hunts other cichlids, including mbuna and sand-dwelling haplochromines. The species is a prized commercial and sport fish, but is considered Critically Endangered (CR) due to overfishing and habitat loss.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nembwe?

The Nembwe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Nembwe live?

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

How big does the Nembwe get?

The Nembwe grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.

Is the Nembwe dangerous to humans?

No, the Nembwe is harmless to humans.

Is the Nembwe edible?

Yes, the Nembwe is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Geelbuik-brasem sourced
English name
Nembwe verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis robustus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Tsungwa; Yellow-belly bream verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
56.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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)
2.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Werpen met kunstaas of natuurlijk aas; gewilde sportvis in het Malawimeer. 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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