Ptychochromis makira Stiassny & Sparks, 2006
photo by Stiassny, M.L.J.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Ptychochrominae
Max. size:  14.62 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Antainambalana River, northeastern Madagascar (Ref. 57663, 83427).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 27-27. It is distinguished from all congeners by the presence of three laterosensory pore foramina on the lachrymal and a unique pigmentation pattern consisting of four distinctive V-shaped black bars on the flanks superimposed on an overall whitish base (Ref. 57663). Extremely deep-bodied and laterally compressed (Ref. 57663). It has a total of six infraorbital bones (Ref. 57663). In preservative, the ground coloration is pale creamy white to yellow, body much lighter ventrally; 4 black V-shaped bands present on flanks, which extend ventrally to lateraly midline; fins pale yellow to grayish and blackish terminally, except pectoral fins (Ref. 57663).
Biology:  Although once common throughout the region of Maroansetra, Ptychochromis makira has suffered a severe decline in abundance in recent years, according to local fishermen (Ref. 57663). They report that the species is now rare (Ref. 57663).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 May 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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