| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
6.19 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, |
| Distribution: |
Africa: known only from the catchment of Lake Natron in Tanzania (Ref. 32272, 118638). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Diagnosis: A very small slender species with a wide mouth with broad lips bearing numerous teeth (Ref. 118638). Mature males have dark-edged dorsal and anal fins, iridescent blue-white spots on flanks, white lips, and a spotted caudal fin edged in pink; male breeding dress shows geographic variation, with some populations having yellow bellies and throats, while others are white (Ref. 118638). Females and non-territorial males are sandy-coloured, paler ventrally, sometimes with numerous vertical bars (Ref. 118638). |
| Biology: |
A maternal mouthbrooder: males defend spawning territories among rocks in shallow water (Ref. 118638). Potential as an aquarium fish (Ref. 118638). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (D2) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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