Chalinochromis

Chalinochromis popelini

Chalinochromis is a genus of the family of cichlids ( Cichlidae ), which is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and lives there in the rock zone. The genus includes two species described. The name refers to the drawing on the head, reminiscent of reins ( Gr. " chalinos " = rein ).

Features

Chalinochromis species have an elongated, cylindrical body, the abdominal line is approximately straight, the dorsal line slightly arched. They are tan in color and have a typical dark bridle markings on head on. Longitudinal stripes may be present or absent. The weichstrahlige part of the dorsal and anal fin and the pelvic fins are pointed, the tail fin is currently completing and has rounded corners. The two types 12 and 15 cm long. Mature males develop a nuchal hump. Chalinochromis is closely related to the genus Julidochromis. However Chalinochromis species have typical wart-like papillae on the lips, which are not found Julidochromis species. A characteristic feature of the genus is still the ossified Suborbitalia (bone below the eye socket), which is only in cartilaginous Julidochromis, and the only conical shaped teeth. The anal fin has more than three spines, the number of dorsal fin spines is less than Julidochromis.

Chalinochromis species live very closely tied to rocky habitats, where they form areas which they towards conspecifics or other cichlids defend itself vigorously. Up to 200 eggs are laid in a cave or narrow crevice.

Species

The genus is taxonomically not well studied. Two species has also been studied taxonomically, at least two other not.

• Chalinochromis brichardi Poll, 1974 ( reins cichlid / mask cichlid )
• Chalinochromis popeleni Brichard, 1989
• Chalinochromis sp. " bifrenatus "
• Chalinochromis sp. " ndobnoi "

Hunting and

In the aquarium Chalinochromis has similar claims as Julidochromis.