Aristochromis christyi

(Trewavas, 1935)

Vernacular names
English : Malawi hawk
French : Cichlidé de Christy

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Cichliformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Cichlidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 30 cm. Body slightly compressed laterally, big head with humped forehead. Brownish body with small red spots on flanks and a curved black line on back. Males have bright blue head.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi, in eastern Africa, and occurs in most parts of the lake. Lives mostly in rocky areas and around aquatic vegetation, to 20 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species is widespread in Lake Malawi but occurs in globally small numbers. Potentially vulnerable to overcollecting for aqaurium trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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