Protomelas annectens (Regan, 1922)
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10; Vertebrae: 32-33. Description: medium-sized species (Ref. 267). Dominantly unicuspid outer dentition (Ref. 55954). Differs from the other species of Protomelas in having a high occipital crest (Ref. 267). Coloration: basic melanin pattern of the plesiomorphic form, with a general bluish color (Ref. 267).
Biology:  Common at depths of about 10 m. Prefers shallow water and is usually found together with large, sand-dwelling cichlids. Opportunistic feeder that is attracted to any moving object that stirs up some sediment (Ref. 5595).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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