Fin's Fish Guide
The Southern mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Fresh water of southern and eastern Africa, in lakes, rivers, ponds and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The southern mouthbrooder is a small cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 13 cm. Outside the breeding season it is an inconspicuous brownish-yellow, but the breeding male colours up vivid yellow-blue with a striking orange margin on the anal fin. Characteristic is its reproduction: the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth and broods them there, after which the young still retreat into the mouth when threatened (mouthbrooder). The species comes from the fresh water of southern and eastern Africa and lives in lakes, rivers, ponds and swamps with abundant water plants. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. For its size and behaviour it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Southern mouthbrooder?
The Southern mouthbrooder has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Small cichlid; the ripe male is bright yellow-blue with an orange edge to the anal fin, and the female broods the eggs in her mouth.
Where does the Southern mouthbrooder live?
The Southern mouthbrooder lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of southern and eastern Africa, in lakes, rivers, ponds and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Southern mouthbrooder get?
The Southern mouthbrooder grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Southern mouthbrooder dangerous to humans?
No, the Southern mouthbrooder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Southern mouthbrooder edible?
The Southern mouthbrooder is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Southern mouthbrooder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Southern mouthbrooder is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudocrenilabrus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Southern mouthbrooder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Southern mouthbrooder is one of 12,519 species in the app.