Sciaenochromis ahli (Trewavas, 1935)
Electric blue hap
Sciaenochromis ahli
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 8 - 8; dH range: 9 - 19; depth range - 150 m
Distribution:  Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Description: Head profile from the start of the dorsal fin to tip of the snout slightly convex; lower profile of the head is straight and almost horizontal (Ref. 40899). Coloration: melanin pattern showing 10 to 11 vertical bars (Ref. 40899), 7 below the dorsal fin (Ref. 55954).
Biology:  Inhabits several habitats where rocks are found; usually found in caves and cracks of the biotope; feeds on small fishes, mainly small mbuna that live among the rocks (Ref. 5595). Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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