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Chisumulu mbuna (Labidochromis chisumulae) — Cichlidae

Chisumulu mbuna

Labidochromis chisumulae
Family: Cichlidae

The Chisumulu mbuna (Labidochromis chisumulae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Chisumulu mbuna is an mbuna cichlid (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate body; males colour up bright blue or yellow, females stay duller. As a bottom-dweller of the rocky shore it rasps the algal mat ('aufwuchs') from rocks with a sturdy mouth and picks small invertebrates from it. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chisumulu mbuna?

The Chisumulu mbuna has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Chisumulu mbuna live?

The Chisumulu mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Chisumulu mbuna get?

The Chisumulu mbuna grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Chisumulu mbuna dangerous to humans?

No, the Chisumulu mbuna is harmless to humans.

Is the Chisumulu mbuna edible?

Yes, the Chisumulu mbuna is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Chisumulu-mbuna sourced
English name
Chisumulu mbuna sourced
Scientific name
Labidochromis chisumulae
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Labidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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