Xenotilapia melanogenys (Boulenger, 1898)
photo by Melandri, G.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7.5 - 8.5; dH range: 20,
Distribution:  Africa: endemic to and widespread in Lake Tanganyika (Ref. 46829).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Common, sand-dwelling cichlid which forages in large schools over the sandy substrate; maximum depth is 40 metres, but during breeding period they are found in much shallower water (Ref. 46829). Very abundant; copepods, ostracods and shrimps have been found in the stomach (Ref. 53528). Breeds in colonies (lek breeder); polygamous maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 52921).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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