Melanochromis / Pseudotropheus

[Lisachromis]

I was writing a post to answer someone as to what species were left in Pseudotropheus.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13427&p=66249#p66216

I realized a lot of species we call Melanochromis are in this list (e.g. johannii, cyaneorhabdos). When did these species get moved to Pseudotropheus and why?

[Rico Morgenstern]

Perhaps the following work is useful:

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2009/f/zt02076p059.pdf

It contains a table listing all former Melanochromis, each with one or more references for their re-classification. Nevertheless, the generic classification of the Mbuna is far from being resolved, and further changes can be expected in the future.

[Juan Artigas]

This particular paragraph in page 57 on Rico's suggested document may point to the question:

" The initial distinction between Melanochromis and Pseudotropheus relating to the size and configuration of the pharyngeal teeth (Trewavas 1935) is no longer considered a diagnostic feature—in fact, no distinction could be found between the pharyngeal jaws of the type species of either genus (Trewavas 1984). Another characteristic, relating to the arrangement of the oral teeth in U-shaped bands and extended on each side by a single row of unicuspid teeth (Trewavas 1984), is shared with many members of Pseudotropheus and has thus no diagnostic value. It was stated as a characteristic of Melanochromis by Trewavas (1984) but never specifically considered as a diagnostic feature. We regard the basic melanin pattern one of the important characteristics in classifying Malaŵi cichlids, and species of Melanochromis have a unique pattern that is—incomplete in some—reversed in adult males. Since the inception of the genus many workers have suggested alternative classifications for its members (Table 5), and over time the diagnosis has been enhanced and refined, but, currently, we still regard both Melanochromis and Pseudotropheus as polyphyletic. "

[Philippe Burnel]

Tawil Patrick; 2002; "Notes sur le genre Melanochromis et l'appartenance générique de Pseudotropheus johannii Eccles, 1973, et espèces apparentées"; L'an Cichlidé; v. 2; pp. 61-68 (crc01583).

In which Patrick explains why the johanni group can't be member of the true Malnochromis because of the reverse color pattern.
So the best name is, for the time beeing, "Pseudotropheus", first name used for a species of this group. Probably a new genus name is necessary.
Philippe

[Lisachromis]

OK, that makes more sense. I knew there was problems with Melanochromis. I'm glad to know why things got changed.

[SergeS]

I'm lost... not too long ago, Bowers & Stauffer described 8 species of Melanochromis (1997) and now they've been moved to Pseudotropheus again? Or is, for example, M. cyaneorhabdos still a valid name?

[Philippe Burnel]

The johnni group (including cyaenorhabdos) has not its place among Melanochromis.
I don't remember wich species were described in 1997 but some of them can certainly stay among Melanochromis


edit : cyaenorhabdos and perileucos among "Pseudotropheus"
Other ones are Melanochromis.

You can have a look to the cichlid catalog

Philippe

[SergeS]

Thanks Philippe. I don't think mankind will ever be able to come up with a proper classification for (Malawi) cichlids