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Trout cichlid (Champsochromis caeruleus) — Cichlidae

Trout cichlid

Champsochromis caeruleus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Trout cichlid (Champsochromis caeruleus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
32.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; open water.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The trout cichlid is a large cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate, streamlined body reminiscent of a trout; courting males colour up blue. It lives in open water and is seen both over rocks and over open sand. As a fast, pursuing predator it hunts mainly other fishes. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Trout cichlid?

The Trout cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Trout-like, streamlined body; fast, pursuing fish eater and maternal mouthbrooder.

Where does the Trout cichlid live?

The Trout cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; open water.

How big does the Trout cichlid get?

The Trout cichlid grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.

Is the Trout cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Trout cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Trout cichlid edible?

The Trout cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Trout cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Champsochromis caeruleus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; open water. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly other fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Trout-like, streamlined body; fast, pursuing fish eater and maternal mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Champsochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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