aquarium
📖 Overview
Inhabits the sand/rock interface where sand and rocks are found in almost equal proportions . Territorial males construct a bower next to a rock, under which spawning takes place; females normally occur in small groups rarely numbering more than 10 individuals and remain close to the bottom . Mouthbrooding females remain closer to the bottom than foraging females and sometimes form small groups . Both males and females feed on plankton in the water column near the bottom and on benthic invertebrates .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Diagnosis: 3 distinct spots on flank . Supra-pectoral spot about 1.5 times supra-anal spot and in contact with the upper lateral line; supra-anal spot separate from upper lateral line; no narrow black submarginal band in dorsal fin . Male breeding coloration: black ventral body and blue to white blaze on dorsum above lateral line , until posterior end of dorsal fin and continuing onto upper margin of caudal fin . 15-18 gill-rakers; 27 dorsal rays in total; caudal peduncle length 5.9 times in SL; caudal peduncle depth 8.1 times in SL . Female C. trewavasae cannot be reliably distinguished from those of C. verduyni . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for aquarium is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for aquarium is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 10 - 30 m , usually 15 - 25 m . Tropical Endemic to Lake Malawi, occurring around Likoma and Chizumulu islands, at Cobwe and between Makonde and Manda.
🌿 Ecology
plankton in the water column near the bottom and on benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"aquarium is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for aquarium is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for aquarium has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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