Coptodon camerunensis (Lönnberg, 1903)

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
Max. size:  13.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Meme, Mungo (Ref. 52307, 81260) and Wouri Rivers, Cameroon (Ref. 81260).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 16-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Diagnosis: 9 or fewer rakers on lower limb of first arch; dorsal fin with 16 spines and 11-12 soft rays; soft dorsal with blackish streaks that curve forward above the "tilapia spot" and become more longitudinal in orientation (Ref. 81260). Description: head length 32.8-35.0% SL; lower pharyngeal jaw with tricuspid posterior teeth; ventral keel shorter than dentigerous plate; 3-4 rows of teeth in oral jaws, outer row teeth bicuspid (Ref. 81260). Coloration: olive-brown, usually with 4 bars on flanks; opercular spot somewhat ovoid; soft dorsal with blackish streaks curving forward above the "tilapia spot" and becoming somewhat longitudinally oriented (Ref. 81260).
Biology:  Probably pair-bonding, open (Ref. 52307) substrate brooder/spawner (Ref. 52307, 81260), with both parents guarding the brood (Ref. 52307).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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