Labeotropheus Simoneae

📖 Overview

Labeotropheus Simoneae (Labeotropheus simoneae) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Diagnosis: All diagnostic characteristics of Labeotropheus present: steeply sloping head; broad, fleshy snout; wide jaws with retrognathous lower jaw; mouth is inferior and subterminal . Labeotropheus simoneae differs from all other species of Labeotropheus in having extensive orange colouration on the operculum in males, vs. blue in L. fuelleborni, L. trewavasae and L. chlorosiglos; although the male nuptial colour pattern is extremely similar to that of L. chlorosiglos, the presence of the orange pigmentation on the operculum is a clear difference between L. simoneae and L. chlorosiglos . It differs from the deeper-bodied Labeotropheus primarily based on a shallow, slender body, body depth 28.4-30.8% of standard length vs. 35.1-41.6% in L. fuelleborni and 31.9-34.7% in L. chlorosiglos, and head, head depth 88.0-98.8% of head length vs. 101.2-108.9% in L. fuelleborni and 99.3-108.0% in L. chlorosiglos, as well as a shorter distance from the origin of the dorsal fin to the origin of the anal fin, 47.1-50.5% of standard length in L. simoneae vs. 51.3-54.6% in L. chlorosiglos and 52.5-55.5% in L. fuelleborni, and a shorter distance between insertion of the dorsal fin and the origin of the anal fin, 27.4-28.5% of standard length in L. simoneae vs. 29.1-33.2% in L. chlorosiglos and 29.6-31.7% in L. fuelleborni . It differs from L. trewavasae in the number of neuromasts present in the infraorbital pores, 27-29 vs. 8-25 in L. trewavasae, and has generally larger pectoral fins, 21.9-26.3% of standard length vs. 20.8-23.9% in L. trewavasae, greater distance between the insertion of the dorsal fin and the insertion of the anal fin, 14.6-16.0% of standard length vs. 12.7-15.5% in L. trewavasae, deeper preorbital depth, 24.0-28.5% of head length vs. 21.2-27.6% in L. trewavasae, longer and wider lower jaw, 27.4-36.3% of head length vs. 23.0-32.7% and 41.2-47.8% of head length vs. 34.7-43.9% respectively, and a greater interorbital width, 34.6-42.7% of head length vs. 29.6-40.5% . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Labeotropheus Simoneae is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Labeotropheus Simoneae.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute