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Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Pseudocrenilabrinae
Etymology: Nimbochromis: Latin, nimbus = stormy, rainy + Greek, chromis, a fish, perhaps a perch; it has dark clouded melanic blotches on the body (Ref. 45335); polystigma: Derived from the Greek "polus" ("polu-" in compound words) = many and "stigma" = mark, spot, referring to the numerous spots on the body and pectoral fins (Ref. 55922).
More on author: Regan.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.5 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 18; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 76 m (Ref. 55922), usually 0 - 35 m (Ref. 55922). Tropical; 23°C - 25°C (Ref. 13371); 8°S - 15°S
Africa: endemic to Lake Malawi; widespread.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 23.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 4989)
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 12; Anal spines: 3 - 4; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11. Diagnosis: dark spots on pectoral fins; pattern of speckles on body and head; without conspicuous dark bars radiating from the eye; no downward-directed snout; mouth terminal; premaxillary pedicel length <34% head length (Ref. 55922).
Most common in mixed rock-sand habitats and vegetated areas (Ref. 55922). Occurs in small groups in rocky areas with beds of Vallisneria and Potamogeton (Ref. 3817). Feeds mainly on fish (Ref. 267). Hunts in pairs (Ref. 3817) or in large groups (Ref. 3817, 55922). When singly, sometimes ambushing prey by lying motionless on the substrate, but not on its side (Ref. 55922).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Female takes brood into her mouth and takes care of the young.
Maréchal, C., 1991. Nimbochromis. p. 296-299. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4. (Ref. 4989)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2024-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Tools
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Estimates based on models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82804): PD
50 = 0.5312 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.01445 (0.00674 - 0.03099), b=2.99 (2.82 - 3.16), in cm total length, based on LWR estimates for this (Sub)family-body shape (Ref.
93245).
Trophic level (Ref.
69278): 4.2 ±0.73 se; based on food items.
Resilience (Ref.
120179): Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec<1000).
Fishing Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Low vulnerability (13 of 100).
