Trematocranus microstoma, known in the aquarium trade as the "Haplochromis placodon pointed head" is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is found in shallow waters close to shore, apparently showing a preference for areas with plentiful vegetation. This species can reach a length of 23.2 centimetres (9.1 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade.