Fin's Fish Guide
The Stigmatochromis pleurospilus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
Stigmatochromis pleurospilus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate body with a few dark blotches on the flank; males colour up bluish in breeding dress. As a predator it hunts small fish and invertebrates in the sandy transition zone. 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 Stigmatochromis pleurospilus?
The Stigmatochromis pleurospilus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Dark flank blotches; mouthbrooding sand-zone predatory cichlid
Where does the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus live?
The Stigmatochromis pleurospilus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Malawi (endemic)
How big does the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus get?
The Stigmatochromis pleurospilus grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus dangerous to humans?
No, the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus edible?
The Stigmatochromis pleurospilus is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stigmatochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stigmatochromis pleurospilus is one of 12,519 species in the app.