Callochromis

Callochromis is a genus of cichlids native to shallow, sandy bottom areas of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. As sandsifters, all species eat sand-dwelling invertebrates. Unlike many other sandsifters, Callochromis species are somewhat aggressive, especially when breeding. C. pleurospilus has become popular with fishkeeping hobbyists because of their compact size, iridescent colors, and hardiness.

Callochromis
Callochromis macrops
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Tribe: Ectodini
Genus: Callochromis
Regan, 1920
Type species
Paratilapia macrops
Boulenger, 1898

Characteristics

The fishes in the genus Callochromis have a more or less elongated body which is approximately three times as long as it is high. They have a curved or humped back and a flat underside with a small terminal or sub-terminal mouth with a protruding lower jaw, the jaws are equipped with 3-5 rows of conical teeth. The dorsal fin has 12-16 spines and 10-14 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 6-9 rays. The outer ray of the ventral fins is the most elongated and the caudal fin has pointed lobes. They have two lateral lines. They grow to a tital length of 10–16 centimetres (3.9–6.3 in).[1]

Species

There are currently three recognized species in this genus:[2]

A fourth species, Callochromis stappersi, which has been regarded as a junior synonym of C. pleurospilus may be a valid species.[1]

References
  1. Thomas Andersen (2005). "Tribe Ectodini Synopsis of Callochromis Regan, 1920". The Cichlid Room Companion. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). Species of Callochromis in FishBase. February 2013 version.


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