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Diagonal-stripe hap (Mylochromis plagiotaenia) — Cichlidae

Diagonal-stripe hap

Mylochromis plagiotaenia
Family: Cichlidae

The Diagonal-stripe hap (Mylochromis plagiotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The diagonal-stripe hap is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a dark band running obliquely across the flank; dominant males turn bluish. As a bottom-oriented hunter it hovers above sandy bottoms and detects small invertebrates in the sediment. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Diagonal-stripe hap?

The Diagonal-stripe hap has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Diagonal-stripe hap live?

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

How big does the Diagonal-stripe hap get?

The Diagonal-stripe hap grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Diagonal-stripe hap dangerous to humans?

No, the Diagonal-stripe hap is harmless to humans.

Is the Diagonal-stripe hap edible?

Yes, the Diagonal-stripe hap is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schuinband-cichlide sourced
English name
Diagonal-stripe hap sourced
Scientific name
Mylochromis plagiotaenia
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked 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
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 Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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