aquarium
📖 Overview
Found in vegetated areas between rocks and sand. Feeds on invertebrates that it locates in the sand by blowing into the upper sediment layer .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 33. P. pleurotaenia is relatively small, attaining about 115 mm SL. Differs from P. kirkii, P. labridens, P. similis, P. marginatus, and P. spilonotus in the small mouth which is less than 33% of the head length. Like P. kirkii and P. labridens it has some enlarged pharyngeal teeth. Caudal fin emarginate.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 10 m. Tropical Endemic to Monkey Bay and Nkhata Bay in Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
invertebrates that it locates in the sand by blowing into the upper sediment layer (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
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyrtocara pleurotaenia | Boulenger | 1901 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis microstoma | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis pleurotaenia | Boulenger | 1901 | Synonym |
| Limnotilapia pleurotaenia | Boulenger | 1901 | Synonym |
| Tilapia pleurotaenia | Boulenger | 1901 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect aquarium.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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