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Otopharynx argyrosoma — Cichlidae

Otopharynx argyrosoma

Otopharynx argyrosoma
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Otopharynx argyrosoma is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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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

English name
Otopharynx argyrosoma sourced
Scientific name
Otopharynx argyrosoma
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.2 verified
Average length (cm)
10 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Inferior (downward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and plankton sifted from the sand and water sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Sifts invertebrates from the sand; maternal mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Otopharynx

More from the family Cichlidae

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