Upper Shire River, outflow from Lake Malawi, Africa.
Biotope:
Occurs in the same habitats as its prey (Oreochromis species). Found over open
sandy bottoms, near rocky areas, and occasionally in open water.
Geographic distribution:
Lake Malawi; lake-wide distribution, but apparently more common in the southern
part of the lake.
Typical adult size:
Up to approximately 24 cm total length.
Diet:
Specialized scale-eater. Feeds by scraping small scales from the caudal fins of
Oreochromis species.
Breeding:
Poorly known. Males believed to defend sand-castle spawning sites. Breeding males
observed with dark blue to black coloration.
Aggression:
Predatory toward Oreochromis species due to scale-feeding behavior.
Special notes:
One of the most striking examples of mimicry among cichlids, closely resembling
its prey (Oreochromis species). Characterized by a disproportionately large mouth
with 10–20 rows of teeth.
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