Tigerfish
📖 Overview
Found in reedy bays and lagoons, at open sandy beaches, throughout the shelf and reef zones , and in the open water . Piscivorous . Small specimens mostly feed on crustacean zooplankton, adults predominantly eat larvae and juveniles of small shoaling zooplanktivorous cyprinid Engraulicypris sardella; female mouthbrooder .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Diagnosis: small, closely-packed teeth; relatively small maximum size; larger specimens often with bright greenish metallic iridescence on upper surface of the body, mature males can be more bluish-grey .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tigerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tigerfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooding females and juveniles commonly found inshore, generally in surface water in the shelf and littoral zones, often in reed bays and lagoons .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; depth range ? - 148 m . Tropical; 9°N - 17°S Endemic to Lake Malawi and upper Shire River.
🌿 Ecology
crustacean zooplankton, adults predominantly eat larvae and juveniles of small shoaling zooplanktivo
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tigerfish 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 | 19.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 405 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tigerfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Malawi Barracuda · Tigerfish |
| 🌍NYA | Mcheni |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champsochromis longiceps | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Hemichromis longiceps | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Paratilapia longiceps | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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