Fauna
Species · GBIF taxon 2372166

Scrapermouth Mbuna

Labeotropheus trewavasae

Also known as Trewavas' Cichlid, Red Top Trewavasae, Scraper-Mouth Mbuna

Scrapermouth Mbuna are territorial cichlids specialized for grazing along the wave-swept rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Their distinctive, hooked upper lip acts like a chisel, allowing them to strip clinging algae from submersed boulders while remaining parallel to the rock face. Females brood fertilized eggs inside their mouths for several weeks, keeping the developing fry safe from eager predators.

FreshwaterEndemicMouthbrooder
Scrapermouth Mbuna reference
Licensed reference(c) João Serafim, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Filamentous algae
  • Microorganisms
  • Aufwuchs
Predators
  • Large predatory cichlids
  • Water birds
  • Otters
ThreatsOvercollection for the aquarium trade, habitat siltation
HabitatsShallow rocky reefs and wave-swept shores of Lake Malawi
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyCichlidae
  3. GenusLabeotropheus
  4. SpeciesLabeotropheus trewavasae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Aquarium Observation: Look for their distinctive downward-facing mouth as they graze across algae-covered surfaces.
  • Lake Malawi Diving: Search along shallow, boulder-strewn reefs where territorial males defend small rock crevices.
  • Coloration Identification: Observe the striking color morphs, including orange-blotched females and blue-and-red males.
Related species
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