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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Malawi thick lip

Cheilochromis euchilus Trewavas, 1935
Max Length
35 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Typical Length
22 cm
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Malawi thick lip (Cheilochromis euchilus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Cheilochromis euchilus
Authority
Trewavas, 1935
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
35 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Water Temp
24–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Malawi thick lip is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Malawi thick lip is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Malawi thick lip is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Female takes eggs in mouth .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 8.0 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 15; non-migratory. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 9°S - 15°S endemic to Lake Malawi.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.2±0.4
Food Items

insects (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01445 × L2.99 (TL)
Max TL
35cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–26°C
pH Range
8–8.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
32.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Trewavas, 1935

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Malawi thick lip 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 Malawi thick lip is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Malawi thick lip 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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Chilotilapia euchilus Trewavas 1935 Synonym
Cyrtocara euchila Trewavas 1935 Synonym
Haplochromis euchilus Trewavas 1935 Synonym
Pseudohaplochromis euchilus Trewavas 1935 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 11 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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