Home · Cichlidae · Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis rhoadesii — Cichlidae

Buccochromis rhoadesii

Buccochromis rhoadesii
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Buccochromis rhoadesii is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 34 cm.

Length
34.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Rhoades' Buccochromis is a large predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species reaches about 34 cm and has an elongate body with a large mouth; males can show blue-yellow nuptial colours. It occurs over muddy bottoms in shallow, sheltered bays and also over sandy areas offshore; juveniles live on very shallow sandy shores. It is a pronounced piscivore. Like most haplochromine cichlids of Lake Malawi the species is a maternal mouthbrooder. It is caught locally as a food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Buccochromis rhoadesii?

The Buccochromis rhoadesii has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Buccochromis rhoadesii live?

The Buccochromis rhoadesii lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Buccochromis rhoadesii get?

The Buccochromis rhoadesii grows to a maximum of about 34 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.

Is the Buccochromis rhoadesii dangerous to humans?

No, the Buccochromis rhoadesii is harmless to humans.

Is the Buccochromis rhoadesii edible?

Yes, the Buccochromis rhoadesii is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rhoades' Buccochromis sourced
English name
Buccochromis rhoadesii sourced
Scientific name
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.1 verified
Average length (cm)
22.0 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Buccochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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