CR

Mchenga conophoros

Declining

Overview

Mchenga conophoros is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is endemic to Lake Malawi, where it has been collected around the Nankumba Peninsula in Malawi. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes.

Mchenga conophoros faces severe threats from overfishing and habitat degradation in Lake Malawi. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and fishing pressure. Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and coastal development has degraded critical rocky reef habitats where this cichlid feeds and breeds.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mchenga conophoros inhabits rocky reefs and sandy-rocky interfaces in the deeper waters of Lake Malawi. This endemic cichlid is typically found at depths between 10-40 meters along the lake's shoreline where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates among the rocky substrates.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Mchenga conophoros classified as Critically Endangered?
Mchenga conophoros is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Mchenga conophoros faces severe threats from overfishing and habitat degradation in Lake Malawi. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and fishing pressure. Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and coastal development has degraded critical rocky reef habitats where this cichlid feeds and breeds.
Where does Mchenga conophoros live?
Mchenga conophoros occurs in Malawi. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mchenga conophoros?
The main threats to Mchenga conophoros are 5.4, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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