Petrotilapia Microgalana

📖 Overview

Petrotilapia species have broad, fleshy lips with numerous slender teeth that are used to comb the algae on rocks for diatoms and loose algal strands . Adult Petrotilapia males establish territories; females, juveniles, and non-territorial males are found either singly or in schools throughout the rocky habitat . Petrotilapia microgalana males patrol territories at an average depth of 10-15 m; females are usually encountered in the upper region . It inhabits the deeper rocky environments of Lake Malawi .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Diagnosis: The presence of predominantly tricuspid teeth in both the upper and lower jaws that are visible when the mouth is closed clearly places Petrotilapia microgalana in the genus Petrotilapia . Pigmentation and colour patterns of P. microgalana distinguish it from all described species of Petrotilapia; the black submarginal band in the dorsal fin distinguishes P. microgalana from P. tridentiger and P. chrysos; males of P. microgalana have a bright blue ground colour along the flanks with 5-7 faint black vertical bars and a blue head; males of P. genalutea have a dull blue ground colour laterally with orange colour along the flanks, 5-7 black vertical bars, and orange/yellow cheeks, while males of P. nigra are predominantly black with 7-10 gray/brown vertical bars . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Petrotilapia Microgalana is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical endemic to Lake Malawi, along the northwestern shore in Malawi (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Petrotilapia Microgalana.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute