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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx panniculus 'South East Arm'.jpg Otopharynx peridodeka 'South East Arm'.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'argyrosoma deep' South East Arm.jpg Otopharynx speciosus 'South East Arm'.jpg Pallidochromis tokolosh 'South East Arm'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageOtopharynx sp. 'argyrosoma deep' South East Arm
Genus: Otopharynx
Biotope: Deep-water demersal species recorded at 18–70 m and commonest at 28–34 m.
Geographic distribution: Southeastern arm of Lake Malawi; particularly the trawling grounds between Monkey Bay and Boadzulu Island, with a northern record at Mpemba. Photographed at Kande Island.
Typical adult size: Maximum size about 16 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Females and immatures silvery with 7–8 thin vertical bars below the dorsal fin and 1–2 bars on the caudal peduncle; males silvery with a general bluish cast, with bars and spots present but faint.
Special notes: Distinguishing features include 7–8 thin vertical bars below the dorsal fin, a prominent suprapectoral spot, 11–14 gill rakers and teeth arranged in four rows. More elongate than many spotted species but deeper-bodied than O. decorus and O. ‘productus’. During survey work this form was identified as O. argyrosoma, but the examined type of O. argyrosoma is a small juvenile from an unknown locality. It has been suggested that material attributed to O. argyrosoma in surveys may represent several species, and it formed a small component of the commercial catch in the area.

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Photo: © George Turner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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