Protomelas virgatus (Trewavas, 1935)

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  14 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. In 1988, a small population was found at Nkomo Reef, of which one specimen was positively identified. In 1989, a few specimens were seen at Makanjila Point, of which no individuals were caught for positive identification.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Differs from P. fenestratus and P. taeniolatus in the more specialized form of the jaws, with the dental arch of the premaxilla narrow anteriorly, but spreading laterally at the posterior ends, with rather long anterior teeth, and in the enlargement of the pharyngeal teeth.
Biology:  Individuals at Nkomo Reef were observed to occur over sand and scattered rocks at a depth of about 17 m. Feeds from the rocks and small pebbles of the environment and also from the zooplankton when this is available (Ref. 5595).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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