New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Near Threatened 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Pearl of Likoma

Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae Johnson, 1974
Max Length
10 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.6
Depth
1–5 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
12.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Pearl of Likoma (Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae), first described by Johnson, 1974 is a small fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 10.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. Recorded depth range: 1 to 5 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Cichlidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae
Authority
Johnson, 1974
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
10 cm
Depth Range
1–5 m
Trophic Level
2.6
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
12.00/100
Water Temp
24–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Pearl of Likoma is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pearl of Likoma is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 👄 Mouth Brooder 🛡️ Egg Guarder
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.0 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 15; depth range 1 - 5 m. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 11°S - 13°S West Island.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
2.6±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01445 × L2.99 (TL)
Max TL
10cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–26°C
pH Range
7–8.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
12.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.6
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Johnson, 1974

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Labidochromis exasperatus Burgess 1976 Synonym
Labidochromis joanjohnson Johnson 1974 Synonym
Labidochromis joanjohnsonae Johnson 1974 Synonym
Melanochromis exasperatus Burgess 1976 Synonym
Melanochromis joanjohnsonae Johnson 1974 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Pearl of Likoma ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.