Chisumulu pearl
📖 Overview
Chisumulu pearl (Labidochromis flavigulis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 1 and 6 metres. With a trophic level of 2.7, it is an omnivore, consuming both plant and animal matter. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Has orange-brown or olive bar patterns on a greenish background. Distinguished from L. maculicauda in head shape, tricuspid inner teeth, fewer dorsal spines, fin markings, and male color pattern; from L. strigatus in snout shape, rounded dental arcade, tricuspid inner teeth, male color pattern; from L. textilis in snout shape, equal length of jaws, and fin markings; from L. shiranus in its shorter, less pointed snout, and fin coloration.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chisumulu pearl is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Chisumulu pearl is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Chisumulu pearl is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.5 - 8.3; depth range 1 - 6 m. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 11°S - 13°S east central Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chisumulu pearl 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 Chisumulu pearl is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chisumulu pearl has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Chisumulu Pearl |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | helmihuuliahven |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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