Fin's Fish Guide
The Purple mbuna (Melanochromis vermivorus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The mbuna cichlid is a rock cichlid (mbuna, Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species has an elongate body with dark lengthwise stripes; males and females differ strongly in colour. It lives over rocky bottoms and sometimes forms schools. It picks small invertebrates and worms from the algal mat (aufwuchs) and crevices. As a haplochromine cichlid it is a maternal mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purple mbuna?
The Purple mbuna has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Strong colour difference between male and female; maternal rock-dwelling mbuna that picks invertebrates from aufwuchs.
Where does the Purple mbuna live?
The Purple mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa; rocky bottoms.
How big does the Purple mbuna get?
The Purple mbuna grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Purple mbuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Purple mbuna is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Purple mbuna edible?
The Purple mbuna is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Melanochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Purple mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purple mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone