Fin's Fish Guide
The Otopharynx argyrosoma is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
Otopharynx argyrosoma is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species reaches about 15 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth. It lives over sandy bottoms, in both shallow and deeper parts of the lake. The diet consists of small invertebrates and plankton sifted from the sand or from the water column. 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 Otopharynx argyrosoma?
The Otopharynx argyrosoma has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sifts invertebrates from the sand; maternal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Otopharynx argyrosoma live?
The Otopharynx argyrosoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
How big does the Otopharynx argyrosoma get?
The Otopharynx argyrosoma grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Otopharynx argyrosoma dangerous to humans?
No, the Otopharynx argyrosoma is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Otopharynx argyrosoma edible?
Yes, the Otopharynx argyrosoma is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Otopharynx
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Otopharynx argyrosoma?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Otopharynx argyrosoma is one of 12,519 species in the app.