The Happy (Corematodus shiranus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The Shire scale-eater is a remarkable cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi and the Shire River in East Africa. The species grows to about 27 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body. Remarkable is its diet: it is a scale eater that swims along with schools of larger cichlids and uses specialised teeth to rasp scales off their flanks and eat them. It is itself a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Happy?
The Happy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Happy live?
The Happy lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Happy get?
The Happy grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Happy dangerous to humans?
No, the Happy is harmless to humans.
Is the Happy edible?
The Happy is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Corematodus
More from the family Cichlidae
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