Trematocranus placodon (Regan, 1922)

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 8.5; dH range: 25; depth range - 32 m
Distribution:  Africa: Widespread in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe.
Diagnosis:  Description: typically round head and snout; lips normal; generally bicuspid teeth that can become unicuspid in the largest specimens; teeth in dentary implanted somewhat procumbently; stout pharyngeal jaws with molariform dentition (Ref. 55954). Coloration: typical blotched melanin pattern does not reach the dorsal fin base in small specimens (Ref. 55954).
Biology:  Shallow-water species (Ref. 267, 55954), especially in swards of Vallisneria (Ref. 267). Feeds mainly on gastropods, including Gabiella stanleyi, which is commonly found on the leaves of Vallisneria (Ref. 267).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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