Ecology of Melanochromis kaskazini
 
Main Ref. Konings-Dudin, G, A.F. Konings and J.R. Stauffer Jr., 2009
Remarks Melanochromis kaskazini wanders through the intermediate habitat hunting larger invertebrates and small fishes. At most localities, generally solitary individuals are encountered, but at Makonde and Manda small foraging groups are frequently seen, in particular when SCUBA divers stir debris to which the predators are attracted. Most foraging groups consist of several males in varying degree of sexual maturity with usually a single large male in full blue color. Territorial or courting males have not been observed. Melanochromis kaskazini is most often seen at depths varying between 5–40 m.

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Melanochromis kaskazini may be found.

Habitat

Substrate : rocky;
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats
Special habitats Ref.

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Konings-Dudin, G, A.F. Konings and J.R. Stauffer Jr., 2009
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Konings-Dudin, G, A.F. Konings and J.R. Stauffer Jr., 2009
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items
Ref.
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. oophagy)
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