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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas macrodon (holotype)
Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Shallow sandy areas with Vallisneria beds; benthopelagic.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi; records are limited to the two type specimens, including a paratype from shallow vegetated water near Nkhotakota.
Typical adult size: Up to 8.8 cm standard length.
Diet: Hard-shelled and soft invertebrates, including gastropods and insect larvae.
Special notes: A small Protomelas distinguished by notably enlarged molariform pharyngeal teeth. The species was described in 1989 (Eccles & Trewavas) and is known from only two specimens.
According to Dr. George Turner, the species has not been confidently identified in the wild and confirmation of its identity would require examination of the lower pharyngeal jaw. The distinctive pharyngeal dentition may represent polymorphism or geographical variation within another species, and possible synonymy with P. pleurotaenia has been discussed but remains unresolved.
Dr. George Turner also regarded a photograph from Mbamba Bay published by the Karlsson brothers as a plausible but unconfirmed identification; without preserved material and examination of the pharyngeal bones, such records remain tentative.

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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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