Freshwater
Kasawala
Oreochromis squamipinnis
Cichlidae, Pseudocrenilabrinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 36 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,113 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
A semi-pelagic species, found in all kinds of habitats but seen mostly in shallow water; it is abundant in the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi, where it occurs in shallow, vegetated bays. It feeds on phytoplankton and sometimes from the sediment on the sand; diatoms constitute the major part of its diet. Major component of the fisheries catch in Lake Malawi. IUCN conservation status is endangered, due to declining population trend.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Chromis niloticus
- Chromis squamipinnis
- Sarotherodon squamipinnis
- Tilapia squamipinnis
In other languages
- Cichlid
Articles
All articles
How to set up an African aquarium5 min read
Two completely different aquariums: forest rivers with soft, brown water, roots and leaves, and Rift Valley lake cichlids in hard, alkaline water with big rock piles.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.