Sciaenochromis fryeri is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is found along the rocky coastal areas at depths of from 10 to 40 metres (33 to 131 ft). It can reach a length of 11.5 centimetres (4.5 in) SL. The specific name honours Geoffrey Fryer (b.1927) who was Fisheries Research Officer, Joint Fisheries Research Organisation of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.