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Soft hap (Mylochromis mollis) — Cichlidae

Soft hap

Mylochromis mollis
Family: Cichlidae

The Soft hap (Mylochromis mollis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Soft hap is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate body; dominant males colour up bright blue or yellow in the breeding season. As a bottom-dweller of the sandy zone it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, insect larvae and worms. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects the young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Soft hap?

The Soft hap has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Soft hap live?

The Soft hap lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Soft hap get?

The Soft hap grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Soft hap dangerous to humans?

No, the Soft hap is harmless to humans.

Is the Soft hap edible?

Yes, the Soft hap is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zachte zandcichlide sourced
English name
Soft hap sourced
Scientific name
Mylochromis mollis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy; Softy hap verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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