Stigmatochromis Melanchros

📖 Overview

This species is a piscivore that breeds in rocky reefs where territorial males defend the vertical face of a large boulder near the sandy bottom .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Diagnosis: The presence of supra-pectoral and supra-anal spots, which do not extend to the base of the dorsal fin, plus a precaudal spot and a series of small spots along the base of the dorsal fin, combined with a snout length longer than the postorbital head length distinguishes this species as a member of Stigmatochromis . It is further diagnosed by the presence of mostly unicuspid teeth in the outer rows of the lower jaws; Stigmatochromis melanchros is distinguished from S. macrorhynchos by a wider interorbital width, 19.3–20.5% of head length vs. 13.7–16.2%, and from S. pholidophorus by a larger preorbital depth in relation to the vertical eye diameter, 95.8–109.3% vs. 75.4%; it is distinguished from S. modestus by a shorter lower jaw, 40.7–44.4% of head length vs. 45.2–48.3%, and by fewer teeth in the outer row of the left lower jaw, 13–19 vs. 24–28; it has a smaller horizontal eye diameter, 25.2–26.9% of head length, than S. woodi, 27.0–32.6% . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Stigmatochromis Melanchros is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Stigmatochromis Melanchros is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Stigmatochromis Melanchros is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 13°S - 14°S, 34°E - 35°E

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute