| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
4.98 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: known only from the catchment of Lake Natron in Tanzania (Ref. 32272, 118638). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 3-4; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Diagnosis: A very small slender species with a narrow ventrally-placed mouth (Ref. 118638). Mature males have dark-edged dorsal and anal fins, iridescent blue-white spots on flanks, white lower lips, and a spotted caudal fin; male breeding dress shows geographic variation, with males of some populations having yellow throats and white bellies, while others are a fiery orange underneath (Ref. 118638). Females and non-territorial males are sandy-coloured, paler ventrally, sometimes with faint vertical bars (Ref. 118638). |
| Biology: |
It inhabits the springs and some spring-fed creeks near the southern and south-eastern shores of Lake Natron (Ref. 32272). It co-occurs with Alcolapia alcalicus and Alcolapia latilabris (Ref. 32272). Observed to nibble at stones and gravel, probably taking mainly algae for food; omnivorous, taking insects from the water surface as well (Ref. 32272). A maternal mouthbrooder: males defend spawning territories among rocks in shallow water (Ref. 32272, 118638). Potential as an aquarium fish (Ref. 118638). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (D2) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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