aquarium
📖 Overview
Inhabits shallow vegetated inshore areas of the lake where it is commonly found around patches of Vallisneria. Feeds on invertebrates including the small gastropod, Gabiella stanleyi .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10; Vertebrae: 30. Differs from P. marginatus and P. similis in having a group of enlarged pharyngeal teeth and from P. labridens in having a straight snout profile and a larger mouth, with the lower jaw one third or more of the head length.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 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; 13°S - 17°S east arm of Lake Malawi and upper Shire River.
🌿 Ecology
invertebrates including the small gastropod, Gabiella stanleyi (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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 471 mg |
🔬 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromis kirkii | Günther | 1894 | Synonym |
| Ctenochromis kirkii | Günther | 1894 | Synonym |
| Cyrtocara kirkii | Günther | 1894 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis kirkii | Günther | 1894 | Synonym |
| Tilapia kirkii | Günther | 1893 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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