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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas kirkii 'South East Arm'.jpg Rhamphochromis ferox 'South East Arm'.jpg Rhamphochromis lucius 'South East Arm'.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'longfin' South East Arm.jpg Rhamphochromis sp. 'longiceps grey-back' South East Arm.jpg
Previous pageNext pageRhamphochromis lucius 'South East Arm'<br><font color=gray>Rhamphochromis sp. 'stripe' South East Arm</font>
Genus: Rhamphochromis
Type locality: Lumbila, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Often associated with steeply shelving rocky coasts; frequently encountered along such shorelines.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; recorded from Chinyamwezi Island, Lumbila, Otter Island and Taiwanee Reef.
Typical adult size: Large specimens documented to at least 35 cm standard length; maximum reported about 380 mm standard length.
Sexual dimorphism: Mature males develop orange pelvic and anal fins, without orange on throat, belly, or dorsal fin.
Diet: Piscivorous.
Special notes: A large, heavily built species with a long head and generally smooth snout contours. Distinguished by a dark midlateral stripe approximately eye-width, running from the opercular spot to the base of the caudal fin. Of the large deep-bodied Rhamphochromis, this is the only species that consistently shows such a longitudinal stripe.

Previously confused with R. ferox and other congeners; historical museum material included misidentified specimens. Phylogenetic analyses identify it as the sister species of R. esox, from which it differs in its more robust build and deeper caudal peduncle. Among the genus it ranks among the largest species in overall bulk.

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Photo: © Martin Genner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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