| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, |
| Distribution: |
Africa: only known from the lower Congo River rapids near Bulu, in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 52248). |
| Diagnosis: |
Diagnosis: cryptopthalmic, i.e. eyes reduced and completely overgrown by tissue (Ref. 52307).
Description: body elongated and very slender; mouth moderately large; head slightly flattened; body scales small compared to congeners, additionally flank scales irregularly-sized; pharyngeal bone with some molariform teeth; swimbladder reduced (Ref. 52307).
Coloration: largely depigmented, pale in color (Ref. 52307). |
| Biology: |
The only blind, depigmented cichlid found in the Congo River rapids (Ref. 52307, 79017). Likely lives between and under rocks; possibly feeds on molluscs; probably a pair-bonding cave spawner (Ref. 52307). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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