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Livid cichlid (Labidochromis lividus) — Cichlidae

Livid cichlid

Labidochromis lividus
Family: Cichlidae

The Livid cichlid (Labidochromis lividus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
1–8 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The livid cichlid is a small rock-dwelling cichlid (mbuna) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, blue-grey body; dominant males flush with colour in courtship. As a rock-dweller it lives in the shallow, rocky shore zone and grazes aufwuchs and small invertebrates from the stones with fine teeth. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Livid cichlid?

The Livid cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Livid cichlid live?

The Livid cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Malawi

How big does the Livid cichlid get?

The Livid cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Livid cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Livid cichlid 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 Livid cichlid edible?

Yes, the Livid cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

Livid cichlid (Labidochromis lividus) — Cichlidae — 2
Francisco Santini (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — NHMUK

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All data

Identification

English name
Livid cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Labidochromis lividus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1 verified
Max depth (m)
8 verified
Natural range
Africa: Malawi 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 Labidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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