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Johnston's hap (Placidochromis johnstoni) — Cichlidae

Johnston's hap

Placidochromis johnstoni
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Johnston's hap (Placidochromis johnstoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Johnston's hap is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm; courting males colour up bluish. It is commonly found in shallow, vegetated areas and rarely over rocks. It feeds on invertebrates and frequently moves in small groups in search of food. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs and larvae in her mouth. The species is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Johnston's hap?

The Johnston's hap has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Johnston's hap live?

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

How big does the Johnston's hap get?

The Johnston's hap grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Johnston's hap dangerous to humans?

No, the Johnston's hap is harmless to humans.

Is the Johnston's hap edible?

The Johnston's hap is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Johnstons malawicichlide sourced
English name
Johnston's hap sourced
Scientific name
Placidochromis johnstoni
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Placidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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