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Dwarf mbuna (Pseudotropheus minutus) — Cichlidae

Dwarf mbuna

Pseudotropheus minutus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf mbuna (Pseudotropheus minutus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
2–10 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf mbuna is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, belonging to the mbuna, the rock-dwelling cichlids of the lake. The species grows to only about 7 cm and is one of the smallest Lake Malawi cichlids. It lives among small rocks at 2 to 10 metres depth and nips algae from the biocover, especially from small crevices inaccessible to larger species. Like most mbuna it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf mbuna?

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

Where does the Dwarf mbuna live?

The Dwarf mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Dwarf mbuna get?

The Dwarf mbuna grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Dwarf mbuna dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf mbuna is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf mbuna edible?

The Dwarf mbuna is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-mbuna verified
English name
Dwarf mbuna verified
Scientific name
Pseudotropheus minutus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6.6 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2 sourced
Max depth (m)
10 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Pseudotropheus

More from the family Cichlidae

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