Fin's Fish Guide
The Small green utaka (Nyassachromis leuciscus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The small green utaka is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 16 cm; breeding males are bluish. It lives in shallow, sandy zones around ten metres depth and feeds on small soft invertebrates from the silty sand, supplemented with planktonic and benthic algae. Like most Lake Malawi cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Small green utaka?
The Small green utaka has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inhabitant of shallow sand; maternal mouthbrooder
Where does the Small green utaka live?
The Small green utaka lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Malawi
How big does the Small green utaka get?
The Small green utaka grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Small green utaka dangerous to humans?
No, the Small green utaka 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 Small green utaka edible?
The Small green utaka is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nyassachromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Small green utaka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Small green utaka is one of 12,519 species in the app.