| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
9.87 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Malawi. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-10. This species is distinguished by the lower jaw dental arcade; absence of an enlarged cephalic lateral line canal pores; presence of a broken horizontal stripe on the flanks of females and immature/non-territorial males; differs from Lethrinops lethrinus by having a relatively shorter snout, shorter lachrymal bone and less ventrally positioned mouth (Ref. 138631). |
| Biology: |
Diet of specimens sampled in 2009 consisted mostly of chaoborus (midge) larvae and pupae, along with cladocerans and other larger invertebrates, It included odonatan nymphs and caridinid shrimps, but with little detritus, perhaps suggesting more midwater feeding than is usual with other Lethrinops species. Its behaviour in the wild was not observed since the lake is highly turbid. In captivity, the females, non-territorial males and juveniles tend to aggregate in loose groups, feeding not only in the sediment, but on objects such as rocks or plants, or even at the surface. When attempts to catch the fish are made, they show a strong tendency to dive into the sand, turning sideways and completely burying themselves (Ref. 138631). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
