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Redfinned cichlid (Labeotropheus trewavasae) — Cichlidae

Redfinned cichlid

Labeotropheus trewavasae
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Redfinned cichlid (Labeotropheus trewavasae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–15.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Trewavas's scrapermouth mbuna is a mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and occurs in many colour morphs; the OB females (orange-black blotched) are especially striking. Characteristic is the inferior mouth with an overhanging, knobbly upper lip, adapted to remove algae (aufwuchs) from the rocks with a scraping motion, supplemented with small crustaceans and worms. It inhabits the rocky zone of the lake. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is popular in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redfinned cichlid?

The Redfinned cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Redfinned cichlid live?

The Redfinned cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Redfinned cichlid get?

The Redfinned cichlid grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Redfinned cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Redfinned cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Redfinned cichlid edible?

The Redfinned cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Trewavas' schraapcichlide sourced
English name
Redfinned cichlid verified
Scientific name
Labeotropheus trewavasae
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Redtop mbuna; Scrapermouth mbuna; Trewavas's cichlid; Yellow tumbi verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Labeotropheus

More from the family Cichlidae

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