Chisumulu pearl (Labidochromis flavigulis)

Scientific name: Labidochromis flavigulis Lewis, 1982

The Chisumulu pearl (Labidochromis flavigulis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Africa, Endemic to Likoma and Chisumulu Islands, in east central Lake Malawi.

Chisumulu pearl care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Has orange-brown or olive bar patterns on a greenish background. Distinguished from L. maculicauda in head shape, tricuspid inner teeth, fewer dorsal spines, fin markings, and male color pattern; from L. strigatus in snout shape, rounded dental arcade, tricuspid inner teeth, male color pattern; from L. textilis in snout shape, equal length of jaws, and fin markings; from L. shiranus in its shorter, less pointed snout, and fin coloration.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Labidochromis flavigulis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 6.8
Depth range: 1–6 m (3–20 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.5 - 8.3 benthopelagic; depth range 1 - 6 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Likoma and Chisumulu Islands, in east central Lake Malawi.
Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)