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💧 Freshwater 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Pale Usisya aulonocara

Aulonocara steveni Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987
Max Length
8.9 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
13.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Pale Usisya aulonocara (Aulonocara steveni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 8.9 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Aulonocara steveni
Authority
Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Max Length
8.9 cm
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
13.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Pale Usisya aulonocara is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pale Usisya aulonocara is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Pale Usisya aulonocara is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Pale Usisya aulonocara is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 11°S - 13°S Endemic to Lake Malawi.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.5±0.37
Food Items

soft-bodied invertebrates (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01445 × L2.99 (TL)
Max TL
8.9cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
13.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, 1987

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Aulonocara Steveni 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 Pale Usisya aulonocara is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Pale Usisya 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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