Fin's Fish Guide
The Lethrinops argenteus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
Lethrinops argenteus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species reaches about 19 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth. It belongs to the sand-sifting cichlids: it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts it through the gills to obtain small invertebrates living in the sediment. Like most haplochromine cichlids of Lake Malawi the species is a maternal mouthbrooder, the female protecting the eggs and young in her mouth. It is caught locally as a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lethrinops argenteus?
The Lethrinops argenteus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sifts sand through the gills in search of invertebrates; maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Lethrinops argenteus live?
The Lethrinops argenteus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
How big does the Lethrinops argenteus get?
The Lethrinops argenteus grows to a maximum of about 19 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Lethrinops argenteus dangerous to humans?
No, the Lethrinops argenteus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lethrinops argenteus edible?
Yes, the Lethrinops argenteus is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinops
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Lethrinops argenteus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lethrinops argenteus is one of 12,519 species in the app.