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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx aletes<br><font color=gray>Otopharynx sp. 'molariform striped'</font>
Genus: Otopharynx
Type locality: Bua Point, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: An offshore sand or soft-bottom habitat in deep water; the type series was taken by bottom trawl at depths greater than 55 m.
Geographic distribution: Confirmed only from the type locality off Bua Point in Lake Malawi. A report from Senga Bay (as Otopharynx sp. 'molariform striped') has been suggested to represent this species.
Typical adult size: A small species, under 14 cm TL; the largest type specimen measured 135.0 mm TL.
Sexual dimorphism: Both sexes are represented in the type series; clear breeding coloration was not documented, and several males appear adult but nonbreeding. Females examined had ovaries with immature ova.
Diet: Gut contents were not examined for the type material, so feeding information is not available.
Breeding: Reproductive details were not documented; females in the type series contained immature ova of about 0.25 mm diameter.
Special notes: Diagnosed by the combination of a suprapectoral spot that overlaps the upper lateral line, seven to eight vertical bars below the dorsal-fin base, 10–11 gill rakers on the lower outer arch, and 34–36 lateral-line scales, together with a robust lower pharyngeal bone bearing conspicuously enlarged molariform teeth posteromedially. The name aletes refers to the grinder-like pharyngeal dentition.

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Photo: © Michael K. Oliver
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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