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Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Fossorochromis: Latin, fossor, fossoris = digger, adpated for digging + Greek, chromis = a fish, perhaps a perch (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Boulenger.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.2 - 8.8; dH range: 10 - 18; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 12 m (Ref. 55954). Tropical; 24°C - 26°C (Ref. 2059); 9°S - 15°S
Africa: endemic to Lake Malawi; widespread.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 24.4 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5635)
Occurs frequently over sand in shallow areas off sandy beaches and feeds on invertebrates like insect larvae and small crustaceans (Ref. 5595).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Female mouth brooder, gestation period: three weeks, about 50-100 young, (Ref. 2059).
Maréchal, C., 1991. Fossorochromis. p. 90. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4. (Ref. 5635)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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