Kingdom Animalia Order Perciformes Genus Melanochromis Higher classification Melanochromis | Phylum Chordata Family Cichlidae Scientific name Melanochromis parallelus Rank Species | |
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Similar Melanochromis, Cichlid, Purple mbuna, Melanochromis loriae, Pearl of Likoma | ||
The parallel striped mbuna (Melanochromis parallelus) is a species of cichlid fish that lives in Lake Malawi around Likoma Island, Chisumulu Island, and along the northwestern coast. It can reach a length of 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. Collection for this purpose is a threat to its wild populations.
In a revision published in 2012, Melanochromis parallelus was however synonymized with Melanochromis loriae, a name which earlier referred to a local population found at the Chipoka Island only.
The males are black and blue the female are white and black.
References
Parallel striped mbuna Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA