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💧 Freshwater Critically Endangered 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Sulfurhead Aulonocara

Aulonocara maylandi Trewavas, 1984
Max Length
15 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
17.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Mainly found over sand bordering the rocky reef. Feeds on small sand-dwelling invertebrates . Females mouthbrood eggs .

Scientific Name
Aulonocara maylandi
Authority
Trewavas, 1984
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
CR
Max Length
15 cm
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
17.00/100
Water Temp
22–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Sulfurhead Aulonocara is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sulfurhead Aulonocara is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

👄 Mouth Brooder

Female mouth brooder . Maximum number of 50 eggs .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.5 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 30. Tropical; 22°C - 26°C ; 13°S - 14°S Endemic to Lake Malawi, Eccles Reef.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.5±0.37
Food Items

small sand-dwelling invertebrates (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01445 × L2.99 (TL)
Max TL
15cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–26°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Critically Endangered
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
17.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Trewavas, 1984

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Aulonocara Maylandi is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Sulfurhead Aulonocara is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Sulfurhead Aulonocara has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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