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Diagonal-stripe hap (Mylochromis plagiotaenia) — Cichlidae

Diagonal-stripe hap

Mylochromis plagiotaenia
Family: Cichlidae

The Diagonal-stripe hap (Mylochromis plagiotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

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

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Description

The diagonal-stripe hap is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a dark band running obliquely across the flank; dominant males turn bluish. As a bottom-oriented hunter it hovers above sandy bottoms and detects small invertebrates in the sediment. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Diagonal-stripe hap?

The Diagonal-stripe hap has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Diagonal-stripe hap live?

The Diagonal-stripe hap lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania

How big does the Diagonal-stripe hap get?

The Diagonal-stripe hap grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Diagonal-stripe hap dangerous to humans?

No, the Diagonal-stripe hap 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 Diagonal-stripe hap edible?

Yes, the Diagonal-stripe hap is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Diagonal-stripe hap sourced
Scientific name
Mylochromis plagiotaenia
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

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 Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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