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Nembwe (Serranochromis jallae) — Cichlidae

Nembwe

Serranochromis jallae
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Nembwe (Serranochromis jallae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
39.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The nembwe is a large, predatory cichlid from southern Africa, occurring in the Zambezi, Okavango and upper Congo systems. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky, greenish to bronze body with a large mouth. Juveniles live mainly on floodplains, in lagoons and secondary channels, while larger adults prefer the mainstream. As a decided piscivore it hunts other fishes. The nembwe is a maternal mouthbrooder and a highly valued sport and food fish in the region. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nembwe?

The Nembwe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Nembwe live?

The Nembwe lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Nembwe get?

The Nembwe grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Nembwe dangerous to humans?

No, the Nembwe is harmless to humans.

Is the Nembwe edible?

Yes, the Nembwe is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Nembwe sourced
English name
Nembwe verified
Scientific name
Serranochromis jallae
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Nembwe; Upper Zambezi nembwe verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly 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 Serranochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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