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Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Ctenopharynx: Greek, kteis, ktenos = comb + Greek, pharyngx = pharynx (Ref. 45335); intermedius: From the Latin "intermedius" = intermediate, probably referring to the fact that, according to Günther (1864) "this species connects Chromis and Hemichromis" (Ref. 55925).
More on author: Günther.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 3 - 60 m (Ref. 55925). Tropical; 12°S - 17°S
Africa: southern Lake Malawi and upper Shire River.
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 15.5  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 21.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5595); 16.0 cm TL (female)
Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11. Diagnosis: high number of gill-rakers on lower part of outer gill arch (36-39); short head, 32.3-35.8% of standard length; relatively anterior implantation of dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins; short premaxillary pedicel, 30.4-33.6% head length (Ref. 55925).
Found in sediment-rich areas (Ref. 5595) of the rocky habitat (Ref. 5595, 55925), the intermediate habitat, over sand, and in the open water (Ref. 5595). Feeds on plankton (Ref. 5595).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Maréchal, C., 1991. Ctenopharynx. p. 60-61. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4. (Ref. 4981)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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