Telmatochromis

An indefinite Telmatochromis species from the group of Elongated.

Telmatochromis ( Gr. " telma " = swamp, " Chromis " = old name for cichlids ) is a genus of the family of cichlids ( Cichlidae ), which is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and lives in the rocky and transition zone.

Features

Telmatochromis species are 7.5 to 12 cm long, the females stay smaller. They are distinguished from the closely related genera Julidochromis Lamprologus and the toothing, which is seated on the outer row teeth are conical, more or less on the inner rows tricuspid. It is characterized by a high number of dorsal fin spines ( 18 to 22 ), the anal fin has three spines. Back, anal and pelvic fins end pointed, the tail ends straight or rounded.

Within the genus can be species with a very elongated and distinguish species with a compact, something hochrückigeren physique. The first show one or two dark longitudinal bands on the sides of the body and a bright band on the dorsal fin base. The members of the second group are not so elongated, laterally flattened slightly and thus have an oval body cross-section. They show little drawing in general and are brownish. Males of this group are given at the age a large, beefy head with a bulging, protruding forehead.

Way of life

Telmatochromis species live on the cliffs and in the transition zone between rocky habitats and the sand zone and feed mainly on algae. They are areas that they vigorously defend against conspecifics. Eggs are laid in small, very narrow caves, narrow crevices or in snail shells. In some regions of the lake dwarf forms exist to match the size of the snail shells. Telmatochromis - species form a parent or man - mother family.

Species

The genus includes seven species.

• Very elongated types: Telmatochromis brichardi Louisy, 1989
• Telmatochromis bifrenatus Myers, 1936
• Telmatochromis brachygnathus Hanssens & Snoeks, 2003
• Telmatochromis vittatus Boulenger, 1898

• Telmatochromis burgeoni Poll, 1942
• Telmatochromis dhonti ( Boulenger, 1919)
• Telmatochromis temporalis Boulenger, 1898