Enigmatochromis lucanusi
| Enigmatochromis lucanusi | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Enigmatochromis | ||||||||||||
| Lamboj , 2009 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Enigmatochromis lucanusi | ||||||||||||
| Lamboj, 2009 |
Enigmatochromis lucanusi is a small species of African cichlid known only from the Foto River , a small savannah river near Fria in Guinea, West Africa.
features
The specimens of Enigmatochromis lucanusi examined in the first description had a maximum standard length of 4.5 cm, with males being about 10 to 15% larger than the females. Fish kept in aquariums reached a total length of 6.5 (males) and 5 cm (females). In shape, color and pattern, the animals resemble the Pelvicachromis species, but differ from them in the first and second pelvic fin rays of the females, which are the same length in Enigmatochromis , or the first is longer, while in Pelvicachromis the second is longer. Enigmatochromis differs from all other Chromidotilapini genera in the small number of scales around the tail fin stalk (12 versus 13-14 in Limbochromis , 14-16 in Chromidotilapia and 16 in Benitochromis , Pelvicachromis and Thysochromis ). There are also differences in the number and structure of the under-eye bones ( Lacrimale and three long bones in Enigmatochromis , versus Lacrimale and one long bone in Congochromis and Nanochromis , four long bones in Divandu and Parananochromis ). In addition, the lateral line in Enigmatochromis is clearly separated from the base of the dorsal fin, while in Congochromis and Nanochromis it runs continuously with it.
Young fish of Enigmatochromis show three or four rows of dark spots on the sides of the body, while those of other Chromidotilapini genera have a maximum of two rows of spots. The dorsal and anal fins of the males are drawn out longer than in the females and the pelvic fins extend to the anal fin base. The belly of the females is purple, their dorsal fin is blue-green. At the end of their hard-nosed part there is a black spot, more rarely two. The throat region of the males is yellow, the upper half of their caudal fin is patterned with round, dark brown spots.
habitat
Enigmatochromis lucanusi is only known from a small savannah river in Guinea, West Africa. In the dry season at the type locality, the river is about 3 to 6 meters wide and 30 to 90 cm deep. The bottom of the river is covered with fine pebbles, with larger pebbles and large rocks in between. The water is clear, visibility is about 1.20 meters, the temperature is 24 ° C, the pH value 5.8. The river banks are forested, the banks are covered in places with the spear leaf Anubias lanceolata . The Congo water fern Bolbitis heudelotii and other ferns grow on stones and fallen trees lying in the water . Areas of the river that are sufficiently illuminated are overgrown with extensive stocks of Vallisneria . In addition to Enigmatochromis lucanusi , the second species of cichlid is Pelvicachromis humilis .
Reproduction
Enigmatochromis lucanusi is a cave breeder , which is sexually mature with a length of 4 (females) or 5 cm (males). The pair formation is based on the brightly colored females during courtship. Often spawning takes place on the cave ceiling or on the side walls. Depending on the size of the female, 40 to 80 relatively large and yellowish to orange eggs are laid. The larvae hatch after 3 to 4 days and are able to swim after a further 7 to 9 days. Eggs and larvae are guarded by the female while the male defends the territory outside . After swimming freely, both parents watch over the young fish. The juveniles are sand-colored and patterned with numerous comma-shaped, dark lines. Outside the cave, they usually swim below their parents and look for food on the ground. The parents' brood care instinct disappears after 5 to 6 weeks.
Systematics
Enigmatochromis lucanusi was introduced to Canada and the USA as an aquarium fish before it was first described in 2004 and, in the absence of a scientific name, was given the name Pelvicachromis sp. "Blue Fin" because the fish resembled Pelvicachromis roloffi . From there, imported animals and bred fish came to Europe, where the provisional name was adopted. The first scientific description was given in 2009 by the Austrian ichthyologist Anton Lamboj. Lamboj established a new genus for the species, as it differs greatly from the other Chromidotilapiini genera, especially in some anatomical features. Enigmatochromis is made up of the Greek words “enigma” (= puzzle) and “ chromis ” (common name ending in African. Cichlid genus, actually a damselfish genus) and alludes to the initially puzzling genus belonging to the species. The specific epithet lucanusi was given in honor of the Canadian ornamental fish importer O. Lucanus, who introduced the fish and informed Lamboj about their origin, habitat and behavior.
literature
- Anton Lamboj, 2009: A new dwarf cichlid genus and species (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Guinea, West Africa. Zootaxa No. 2173, pages 41-48, ISSN 1175-5334 .
- Uwe Werner: Enigmatochromis lucanusi, a new cichlid from Guinea. in Aquaristik Fachmagazin, No. 224, April / May 2012, ISSN 1437-4854
Web links
- Enigmatochromis lucanusi on Fishbase.org (English)