Fin's Fish Guide
The Zambezi happy (Pharyngochromis darlingi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
Pharyngochromis darlingi is a versatile cichlid from the Zambezi drainage and adjacent waters in southern Africa. The species has a streamlined, brownish to silvery body and reaches about 22 cm. It is highly adaptable and occurs in almost every habitat type within its range. The diet consists mainly of small fishes, aquatic insects and crustaceans. Females spawn only once a year, around September in the rainy season, with clutches of about 200 eggs; the males excavate craters in shallow water as spawning sites. The species is of limited local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Zambezi happy?
The Zambezi happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Highly adaptable; males dig spawning craters in shallow water.
Where does the Zambezi happy live?
The Zambezi happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. The Zambezi river basin and adjacent waters in southern Africa.
How big does the Zambezi happy get?
The Zambezi happy grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Zambezi happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Zambezi 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.
Is the Zambezi happy edible?
The Zambezi happy is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pharyngochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Zambezi happy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Zambezi happy is one of 12,519 species in the app.