Oreochromis latilabris Seegers & Tichy, 1999
Wide-lipped Natron tilapia
Oreochromis latilabris
photo by Seegers, L.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  6.19 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: known only from the catchment of Lake Natron in Tanzania (Ref. 32272, 118638).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Diagnosis: A very small slender species with a wide mouth with broad lips bearing numerous teeth (Ref. 118638). Mature males have dark-edged dorsal and anal fins, iridescent blue-white spots on flanks, white lips, and a spotted caudal fin edged in pink; male breeding dress shows geographic variation, with some populations having yellow bellies and throats, while others are white (Ref. 118638). Females and non-territorial males are sandy-coloured, paler ventrally, sometimes with numerous vertical bars (Ref. 118638).
Biology:  A maternal mouthbrooder: males defend spawning territories among rocks in shallow water (Ref. 118638). Potential as an aquarium fish (Ref. 118638).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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