Stomatepia mariae

(Holly, 1930)

Vernacular names
English : Alkali cichlid
French : Nsess

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

Identification
Aduts can reach up to 12 cm in length. Large head with big mouth, males have elongated jaws. Large dark eyes. Coloration is light grey-beige with longitudinal black line on flanks and black belly. Males are noticeably darker.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in western central Africa and is endemic to Cameroon, being only found in the crater lake of Barombi-Mbo. Lives in upper layer of water column in volcanic lake.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very small range and could become extinct soon because of water pollution (from humane activities) and volcanic activity.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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