Hyena Cichlid
📖 Overview
Most common in mixed rock-sand habitats and vegetated areas . Occurs in small groups in rocky areas with beds of Vallisneria and Potamogeton . Feeds mainly on fish . Hunts in pairs or in large groups . When singly, sometimes ambushing prey by lying motionless on the substrate, but not on its side .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 12; Anal spines: 3 - 4; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11. Diagnosis: dark spots on pectoral fins; pattern of speckles on body and head; without conspicuous dark bars radiating from the eye; no downward-directed snout; mouth terminal; premaxillary pedicel length
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hyena Cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Female takes brood into her mouth and takes care of the young.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.5 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 18; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 76 m , usually 0 - 35 m . Tropical; 23°C - 25°C ; 8°S - 15°S endemic to Lake Malawi; widespread.
🌿 Ecology
fish (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Hyena Cichlid · Polystigma |
| 🌍CES | tlamovec skvrnitý |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Leopardcichlide |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | täpläsuuhautoja |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? polystigma | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Cyrtocara maculimanus | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Cyrtocara pardalis | Trewavas | 1935 | Synonym |
| Cyrtocara polystigma | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis maculimanus | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis pardalis | Trewavas | 1935 | Synonym |
| Haplochromis polistigma | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Nimbochromis maculimanus | Regan | 1922 | Synonym |
| Nimbochromis pardalis | Trewavas | 1935 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Hyena Cichlid.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 35 records indexed .
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