Home · Cichlidae · Protomelas triaenodon
Protomelas triaenodon — Cichlidae

Protomelas triaenodon

Protomelas triaenodon
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
15.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
10.0–18.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Protomelas triaenodon is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate body; males colour up bluish with yellow accents in breeding dress. As a dweller of the transition zone between rock and sand it grazes aufwuchs and picks small invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Protomelas triaenodon?

The Protomelas triaenodon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Protomelas triaenodon live?

The Protomelas triaenodon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Protomelas triaenodon get?

The Protomelas triaenodon grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Protomelas triaenodon dangerous to humans?

No, the Protomelas triaenodon is harmless to humans.

Is the Protomelas triaenodon edible?

The Protomelas triaenodon is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drietand-Malawicichlide verified
English name
Protomelas triaenodon verified
Scientific name
Protomelas triaenodon
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
18.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not 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 Protomelas

More from the family Cichlidae

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