New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

aquarium

Lethrinops lunaris Trewavas, 1931
Max Length
18.6 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

aquarium (Lethrinops lunaris) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18.6 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
Lethrinops lunaris
Authority
Trewavas, 1931
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
18.6 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for aquarium is currently being compiled.

🌀 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. Tropical; 9°S - 15°S Endemic to Lake Malawi.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.2±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00389 × L3.12 (TL)
Max TL
18.6cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
22.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Trewavas, 1931

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"aquarium 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 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

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

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for aquarium ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.