Home · Cichlidae · Brownspot largemouth
Brownspot largemouth (Serranochromis thumbergi) — Cichlidae

Brownspot largemouth

Serranochromis thumbergi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Brownspot largemouth (Serranochromis thumbergi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The brownspot largemouth is a large, predatory cichlid from southern Africa, including the Zambezi and Okavango drainages. The species grows to about 33 cm and has a stocky, silvery to greenish body with a large mouth and brownish blotches. Its habitat preference is strongly influenced by the presence of water plants, among which it shelters and hunts. As a decided piscivore it hunts other fishes. Serranochromis species are maternal mouthbrooders. The brownspot largemouth is a locally valued food and angling fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brownspot largemouth?

The Brownspot largemouth has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Brownspot largemouth live?

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

How big does the Brownspot largemouth get?

The Brownspot largemouth grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Brownspot largemouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Brownspot largemouth is harmless to humans.

Is the Brownspot largemouth edible?

Yes, the Brownspot largemouth is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bruinvlek-roofcichlide sourced
English name
Brownspot largemouth verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis thumbergi
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Brownspot largemouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly 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 Serranochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →