Hump-head
📖 Overview
Hump-head (Cyrtocara moorii) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 cm. It occurs at depths between 3 and 15 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Hump-head is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hump-head is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Female takes brood into her mouth and takes care of the young .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.2 - 8.8; dH range: 10 - 18; depth range 3 - 15 m. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 9°S - 15°S Endemic to Lake Malawi; widespread.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hump-head 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 Hump-head is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hump-head has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Hump-head |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haplochromis moori | Boulenger | 1902 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Hump-head.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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