Melanochromis Loriae
📖 Overview
The preferred habitat is mostly rocky with little sand, and the majority of individuals occur at a depth ranging between 5 and 20 meters . It is an omnivore, feeding mainly from the Aufwuchs on rocks; in addition to algae also cichlid fry and catfish eggs are observed in the stomach contents .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 18 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Diagnosis: Female and subadult Melanochromis loriae are distinguished from their congeners, except those of M. melanopterus, M. lepidiadaptes, and M. kaskazini, by a white to cream coloured body vs. yellow to brown in other congeners, two black horizontal stripes on the flank, a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin, and black markings on the lower lobe of the caudal fin; Melanochromis loriae is distinguished from M. melanopterus and M. kaskazini by a shorter lower jaw, 31.9-35.2% of head length vs. 37.2-41.7% on M. melanopterus and 36.4-44.6% in M. kaskazini, and from M. lepidiadaptes by the higher number of tooth rows, 5-7 vs. 2-3 . Male Melanochromis loriae in breeding colouration are distinguished from their congeners, except M. melanopterus, M. simulans, and M. robustus, by a broad black band in the spinous part of the dorsal fin, absent in all congeners; it is distinguished from M. melanopterus and M. simulans by a shorter lower jaw, 31.9-35.2% of head length vs. 37.2-41.7% in M. melanopterus and 40% in M. simulans, and from M. robustus by a shallower caudal peduncle, 11.7-12.6% of standard length vs. 12.9-14.4% . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Melanochromis Loriae is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Females are mouthbrooders .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 3 - 40 m , usually 5 - 20 m . Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 9°S - 14°S endemic to Lake Malawi (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Melanochromis Loriae.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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