aquarium
📖 Overview
Found over sandy substrates . Juveniles may be found in shallow water near rocks while adults forage in deeper regions with sandy substrate . Feeds on small fish and invertebrates . Half-grown individuals have been observed to remain motionless, partially buried in the sand, waiting for small fishes to come within reach .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: presence of a lozenged melanin pattern; no spots on pectoral fins; no radiating melanin pattern on the head; no highly contrasting, anastomosing horizontal and vertical melanin components on the body; body depth 38.1-40.9% of standard length; head length 32.0-33.8% of standard length; length of lower jaw 36.3-40.8% head length; dorsal fin base 53.3-57.7% of standard length .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for aquarium is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Female takes brood into her mouth and takes care of the young.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.2 - 8.8; dH range: 10 - 18; non-migratory; depth range 6 - 23 m . Tropical; 25°C - 27°C ; 9°S - 15°S endemic to Lake Malawi where it is widely distributed.
🌿 Ecology
small fish (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
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyrtocara venusta | Boulenger | 1908 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis simulans | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis venustus | Boulenger | 1908 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for aquarium ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.