Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallmouth tropheops (Tropheops microstoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in the shallow rocky zone (the mbuna zone).
Description
The smallmouth tropheops is a colourful rock-dwelling cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 10 cm and endemic to Lake Malawi. The body is often yellow to bluish with faint cross-bars; males are usually more vividly coloured than females. Characteristic is the small, steep mouth, with which the fish efficiently scrapes the algal growth (aufwuchs) off the rocks. The species belongs to the mbuna, the colourful rock cichlids that live along the lake's rocky shores. Males are strongly territorial and defend a patch of rock. Like other mbuna it is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the fertilised eggs and the larvae in her mouth until they are large enough. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallmouth tropheops?
The Smallmouth tropheops has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Colourful rock cichlid (mbuna) from Lake Malawi with a small, steep mouth with which it scrapes algae off the rocks; mouthbrooder.
Where does the Smallmouth tropheops live?
The Smallmouth tropheops lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in the shallow rocky zone (the mbuna zone).
How big does the Smallmouth tropheops get?
The Smallmouth tropheops grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Smallmouth tropheops dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallmouth tropheops is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smallmouth tropheops edible?
The Smallmouth tropheops is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Tropheops
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallmouth tropheops?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallmouth tropheops is one of 12,519 species in the app.