Otopharynx Spelaeotes

📖 Overview

This species has a preference for large caves and is therefore often found in rocky habitats that consist of large boulders . Most individuals are seen solitary and often at a depth of more than 10m . The mode of feeding consists of scavenging material lying on the rocky substrate of their environment .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. A medium-sized cave-dwelling haplochromine with relatively deep body with greatest body depth at base of eighth or ninth dorsal spine . Otopharynx spelaeotes has a larger eye, 36.1-38.4% of head length, than most other Otopharynx species, and it has fewer lateral-line scales, 31-33, than Otopharynx argyrosoma . It differs from Otopharynx lithobates by having more teeth in the outer row of the left lower jaw (18-24), fewer gill rakerson the ceratobranchial (11-13) and by the male breeding coloration that includes yellow/orange ocelli on the anal fin and a blue/black dorsal fin with a very narrow white margin with orange/red lappets . It is distinguished from Otopharynx antron by a larger horizontal eye diameter (36.1-38.4% of head length), a shallower caudal peduncle, and more teeth in the outer row of the left lower jaw .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Otopharynx Spelaeotes is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Otopharynx Spelaeotes is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Otopharynx Spelaeotes is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute