Orthochromis stormsi
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| ( Boulenger , 1902) |
Orthochromis stormsi ( Syn .: Haplochromis stormsi , Schwetzochromis stormsi ) is an African cichlid species that occurs in the upper reaches of the Congo , in its tributaries and in the Mwerusee .
features
Orthochromis stormsi is a relatively slender species of cichlid with a maximum length of 12 cm and 27 to 30 vertebrae. The forehead line is slightly concave, the tail end is straight. There are one to three rows of scales on the "cheeks". The scales on the chest are tiny and deeply embedded. Orthochromis stormsi differs from Orthochromis polyacanthus in that it has smaller, deeply embedded neck scales so that the neck appears almost bare. The fish are gray-brown to olive-colored, the belly is light to almost whitish. There is a dark longitudinal band and seven vertical bars on the sides of the body. A dark stripe runs from the eyes to the corner of the mouth and to the rear edge of the gill cover. During courtship, the fish become lighter and yellowish. The anal fin of the males has no egg spots.
- Fins formula : dorsal XVI – XXI / 9, anal III / 6–8.
Way of life
Orthochromis stormsi is a current-loving cichlid, but avoids the areas with the strongest currents in rivers. It feeds primarily on algae and, according to observations of specimens kept in aquariums, tolerates animal food only poorly. The fish spawn in small hollows dug by the male in the bottom of the water or on flat stones. They are mouthbrooders . After spawning, the female takes the eggs in her mouth. The fry swim free after about three weeks and are then protected by the female for a few days.
literature
- Anton Lamboj: The cichlids of western Africa. Publisher: Natur und Tier, 2006, ISBN 386-659000-8 , pages 69-70.
Web links
- Orthochromis stormsi on Fishbase.org (English)