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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Rhamphochromis esox 'Gome'.jpg Rhamphochromis esox 'Narungu'.jpg Rhamphochromis esox 'Taiwanee Reef'.jpg
Previous pageRhamphochromis esox 'Taiwanee Reef'
Genus: Rhamphochromis
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Occurs in relatively shallow water close to shore and is frequently encountered near the surface, unlike most congeners that inhabit offshore deep-water zones.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; recorded from the southeastern arm of the lake.
Typical adult size: Up to 420 mm standard length; recent records to about 386 mm standard length.
Diet: Elongate open-water piscivore adapted for rapid pursuit of fish prey; often associated with shoals of small pelagic fishes.
Special notes: Described by Boulenger in 1908. Junior synonyms include R. leptosoma (Regan, 1922) and R. melanotus (Ahl, 1926). A very streamlined and elongate species with a long, slender caudal peduncle, moderate-sized mouth, and deep, smooth lower jaw. Often shows a broad dark lateral stripe, similar to R. lucius. Males have orange pelvic fins; the anal fin may show up to eight eggspots and can become intensely orange.

Frequently caught together with shoals of Usipa (Engraulicypris) and R. macrophthalmus. Species identification within the genus remains complex and mixed schools with related taxa occur.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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