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Slendertooth sand cichlid (Lethrinops leptodon) — Cichlidae

Slendertooth sand cichlid

Lethrinops leptodon
Family: Cichlidae

The Slendertooth sand cichlid (Lethrinops leptodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The slendertooth sand cichlid is a cichlid from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body; dominant males flush bluish in courtship. As a bottom-dweller it sifts mouthfuls of sand over sand flats, filtering small invertebrates and insect larvae with fine gill rakers; males build a nest pit in the sand. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slendertooth sand cichlid?

The Slendertooth sand cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Slendertooth sand cichlid live?

The Slendertooth sand cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi

How big does the Slendertooth sand cichlid get?

The Slendertooth sand cichlid grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Slendertooth sand cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Slendertooth sand cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Slendertooth sand cichlid edible?

Yes, the Slendertooth sand cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Slendertooth sand cichlid (Lethrinops leptodon) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Tate Regan (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Slendertooth sand cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Lethrinops leptodon
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Malawi sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lethrinops

More from the family Cichlidae

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