The south eastern arm of Lake Malawi, off Chekopa.
Biotope:
Occurs over sandy substrates; recorded at depths between 18–45 m.
Geographic distribution:
Known only from the northeastern shore of the southeast arm of
Lake Malawi, at trawl stations Chekopa, Chilindi, and Chiponda.
Diet:
Feeds on planktonic invertebrates and algae; stomach analyses
revealed no sand grains, indicating feeding from the water
column. Individuals have been observed foraging close to the
bottom and occasionally picking items from the sand surface.
Breeding:
Breeding males have not been observed in situ; a male in breeding
coloration was obtained from a fisherman at Maleri Island.
Special notes:
Characterized by a narrow diagonal stripe on the flanks and
described as distinct from similar species by Turner & Howarth
(2002). In the shallower part of its depth range it may be the
most abundant species.
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