Moderately deep benthic habitats, mainly 60–80 m depth
over soft sediments in the southern arms of
Lake Malawi.
Geographic distribution:
Recorded from the southern arms of Lake Malawi;
not confirmed from other parts of the lake.
Typical adult size:
Up to about 312 mm standard length
(approximately 35 cm total length);
sexual maturity sometimes from
about 16–17 cm standard length.
Sexual dimorphism:
Both sexes show a yellow belly and yellow to orange
pelvic and anal fins. Mature males develop more
extensive yellow on the throat, chest, belly,
dorsal and caudal fins.
Diet:
Piscivorous.
Special notes:
Undescribed taxon named after the Maldeco trawling
company, from whose catches many specimens were
first recognized. A medium-sized species with a
relatively small mouth, deep lower jaw and
streamlined body that is comparatively deep at
the belly. Typically shows a brownish-yellow
overall cast.
Often confused with large-bodied congeners;
differs from R. brevis by its smaller
mouth and thinner upper jaw, and by reaching a
slightly smaller maximum size. Most frequently
encountered in bottom trawl catches, suggesting
a predominantly benthic lifestyle.
Often confused with large-bodied congeners; differs from R. brevis by its smaller mouth and thinner upper jaw, and by reaching a slightly smaller maximum size. Most frequently encountered in bottom trawl catches, suggesting a predominantly benthic lifestyle.
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