Ptychochromis loisellei Stiassny & Sparks, 2006
Ptychochromis loisellei
photo by Stiassny, M.L.J.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Ptychochrominae
Max. size:  11.86 cm (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Madagascar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 27-28. It is distinguished from all congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern and coloration comprising an expansive, generally vertically oriented, black band or blotched region of black pigment below the lateral midline and just anterior to the origin of the anal fin, and by an overall dark grayish-green body coloration (Ref. 57663). Moderately deep-bodied and lateral compressed (Ref. 57663).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 27 June 2016 (B1ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type-locality of holotype of Ptychochromis loisellei: 'northeastern Madagascar, Antsiranana Province, north of Sambava, Mahanara River at Antsirabe-Nord, just upstream of bridge over route N-5' (Ref. 57663). Known from the Mahanara River and its tributaries (Ref. 57663).


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