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Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae

Speckleface bream

Serranochromis angusticeps
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Swamps and rivers of southern Africa (Zambezi, Okavango).
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The thinface largemouth (Serranochromis angusticeps) is a large predatory cichlid from southern Africa, including the Zambezi and Okavango systems. The species has a streamlined, silvery-green body with a notably large mouth and a pointed head, and reaches about 41 cm. It occurs in well-vegetated swamps and along river banks, but also in fast-flowing sections over sand and rocks. As an ambush predator it hunts mainly small fishes, which it catches among the water plants. Like other Serranochromis species it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is a valued sport and food fish that is fished commercially in places.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speckleface bream?

The Speckleface bream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large mouth for catching fishes among aquatic plants; maternal mouthbrooder.

Where does the Speckleface bream live?

The Speckleface bream lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Swamps and rivers of southern Africa (Zambezi, Okavango).

How big does the Speckleface bream get?

The Speckleface bream grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Speckleface bream dangerous to humans?

No, the Speckleface bream 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 Speckleface bream edible?

Yes, the Speckleface bream is commonly eaten.

More photos

Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Biodiversity Heritage Library (Public domain)
Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Wilderness Safaris Botswana - Conservation Team (CC BY 4.0)
Speckleface bream (Serranochromis angusticeps) — Cichlidae — 5
R. Bills (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
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All data

Identification

English name
Speckleface bream verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis angusticeps
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Thinface bream; Thinface cichlid; Thinface largebream; Thinface largemouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Swamps and rivers of southern Africa (Zambezi, Okavango). inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
8.5 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large mouth for catching fishes among aquatic plants; maternal mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with a live baitfish or lures along vegetated banks and reed beds; often strikes the bait fiercely. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Serranochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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