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Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) — Cichlidae

Tweddle's happy

Astatotilapia tweddlei
Family: Cichlidae

The Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi, Mozambique

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Description

The Tweddle's happy is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from rivers, lakes and swamps of southeastern Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate body; dominant males colour up more brightly in the breeding season with blue or yellow tints and carry 'egg-spots' on the anal fin. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches for small invertebrates, algae and plankton. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tweddle's happy?

The Tweddle's happy has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Tweddle's happy live?

The Tweddle's happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi, Mozambique

How big does the Tweddle's happy get?

The Tweddle's happy grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Tweddle's happy dangerous to humans?

No, the Tweddle's happy 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.

More photos

Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) tilapiamap, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) tilapiamap, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) tilapiamap, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tweddle's happy (Astatotilapia tweddlei) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) tilapiamap, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Tweddle's happy sourced
Scientific name
Astatotilapia tweddlei
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Malawi, Mozambique sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Astatotilapia

More from the family Cichlidae

Fin

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