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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

aquarium

Placidochromis polli Burgess & Axelrod, 1973
Max Length
14.9 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
49–126 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

aquarium (Placidochromis polli) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14.9 cm. It occurs at depths between 49 and 126 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, 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
Placidochromis polli
Authority
Burgess & Axelrod, 1973
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
14.9 cm
Depth Range
49–126 m
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
22.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Diagnosis: head length 32.3-34.8 %SL; head width 34.5-38.4 % head length; snout length 35.1-39.0 % head length; lower jaw length 36.4-38.8 % head length; premaxillary pedicel 28.3-30.7 % head length; outer oral dentition mainly unicuspid; lachrymal 23.1-26.1 % head length; cheek depth 19.1-23.3 % head length; interorbital width 16.2-17.8 % head length; lower pharyngeal teeth small and slender; predorsal distance 34.6-37.5 %SL; body depth 31.1-36.0 %SL . : elongated.

🌀 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; demersal; depth range 49 - 126 m . Tropical; 12°S - 15°S Endemic to the southern part of Lake Malawi.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00389 × L3.12 (TL)
Max TL
14.9cm
Dorsal Spines
17
Dorsal Rays
10
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ 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
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Burgess & Axelrod, 1973

🍽️ 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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🌍NYA Chisawasawa

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Lethrinops polli Burgess & Axelrod 1973 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 8 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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