Three species of Melanochromis described

[Thomas Andersen]

Konings-Dudin, G., Konings, A.F. & Stauffer Jr., J.R. (2009) Descriptions of three new species of Melanochromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae) and a redescription of M. vermivorus. Zootaxa vol. 2076: 37–59.

Melanochromis kaskazini Konings-Dudin, Konings & Stauffer, 2009 = Melanochromis sp. “Northern” Spreinat 1994
Melanochromis sp. ‘northern blue’ Konings 1995

Melanochromis mossambiquensis Konings-Dudin, Konings & Stauffer, 2009 = Melanochromis sp. “auratus elongate” Konings 1995

Melanochromis wochepa Konings-Dudin, Konings & Stauffer, 2009 = Melanochromis dialeptos (part) Konings 2001


The full paper can be found here: http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2009/f/zt02076p059.pdf

[Lisachromis]

For hobbyists, Melanochromis wochepa = Melanochromis dialeptos = Dwarf auratus.

Very nice fish btw.

[Mark Smith]

The paper does show that M. wochepa and M. dialeptos are two distinct species.

[Juan Artigas]

Updates on the species are now in the Catalog. Thanks!

http://www.cichlidae.com/gallery.php?genus=Melanochromis

[Lisachromis]

The paper does show that M. wochepa and M. dialeptos are two distinct species.

If so, then dialeptos = dwarf auratus

[Mark Smith]

Yes, M. dialeptos is the original Dwarf Auratus. Anyone can see both species, M. dialeptos and M. wochepa, side by side in Konings 4th edition Malawi Cichlids in their natural habitat, published in 2007, on page 110, lower left photos. At the time of the books publication, M. wochepa was referred to as Melanochromis sp. "Dialeptos Blue".

[Juan Artigas]

You can also see all that in the CRC catalog...