Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Pindani

Synonyms and Other Names: Socolofi's mbuna (Lake Malawi cichlid).

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The genus is currently recognized as containing two species, blue mbuna Labeotropheus fuelleborni Ahl 1927 and scrapermouth mbuna L. trewavasae Fryer 1956; both have large, protruding, fleshy snouts and exhibit polychromatism (Ribbink et al. 1983). Ribbink et al. (1983) and Lewis et al. (1986) described the various color morphs and distinguished between the two known species. Color photographs were given in Ribbink et al. (1983), Axelrod et al. (1985), Lewis et al. (1986), and Axelrod (1993).

Size: 7 cm SL

Native Range: Tropical Africa. Lake Malawi in Malawi and Mozambique.

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentional release for aquaculture (personal communication).

Status: Reported from Florida.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Both known species of Labeotropheus are found in the aquarium trade. Axelrod (1993) stated that preserved specimens of L. trewavasae and L. fuelleborni cannot be differentiated. C. R. Robins (personal communication) recently made clear to us that the identification of these cichlids as Labeotropheus should be considered highly tentative. Based on recent fish samples taken by us from moats surrounding some of the exhibits, the fish earlier reported from the Miami MetroZoo rock pits actually may have been one of the other blue cichlids (i.e., Pseudotropheus sp.). The fish are still at Metrozoo where they ahve been moved around to most lakes on the property for aesthetics and to provide food for captive and wild birds and mammals. They do not seem to have escaped the lakes as they ahve never been collected in surrounding canals.

There are no known voucher specimens.

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R. 1993. The most complete colored lexicon of cichlids. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Courtenay, W. - Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and J. R. Stauffer, Jr.. 1990. The introduced fish problem and the aquarium fish industry. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 21(3):145-159.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., D. P. Jennings, and J. D. Williams. 1991. Appendix 2: exotic fishes. Pages 97-107 in Robins, C. R., R. M. Bailey, C. E. Bond, J. R. Brooker, E. A. Lachner, R. N. Lea, and W. B. Scott. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada, 5th edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 20. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Johnson, D.S. 1974. Three new cichlids from Lake Malawi. Today's Aquarist 1(3): 38-42.

Konings, A. 1990. Koning's Book of Cichlids and All the Other Fishes of Lake Malawi. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey.

Lewis, D., P. Reinthal, and J. Trendall. 1986. A guide to the fishes of Lake Malawi National Park. World Wildlife Fund, Gland, Switzerland. 71 pp.

Petrovicky, I. 1988. Aquarium fish of the world. Hamlyn, London, England.

Ribbink, A. J., B. A. Marsh, A. C. Marsh, A. C. Ribbink, and B. J. Sharp. 1983. A preliminary survey of the cichlid fishes of rocky habitats in Lake Malawi. South African Journal of Zoology (Zoology Dierkunde) 18(3):149-310.

Other Resources:

Author: Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus

Peer Review Date: 8/15/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.