Deep-water habitat at approximately 80 m depth over a muddy bottom.
Geographic distribution:
Southern part of Lake Malawi, collected off Monkey Island in the South East Arm (Malawi).
Typical adult size:
Holotype 14 cm in standard length (approximately 17 cm total length).
Sexual dimorphism:
A presumed male showed an overall dark coloration, with a narrow white margin along the
dorsal fin and one or two faint eggspots on the anal fin.
Special notes:
The species has not been reliably identified since its original description, and it remains
uncertain whether D.ecclesi represents a distinct taxon or a non-breeding
or post-breeding male of Diplotaxodon sp. ‘holochromis’. Its combination of a slender
body, relatively small jaws, and a narrow white dorsal fin margin is not readily matched by
other known species.
Photo gallery