LABIDOCHROMIS SP. “HONGI” “KIMPUMA”

Labidochromis sp. “Hongi” by Michael Courtney (aka MC1979) The Fish Labidochromis sp. ”Hongi”Labidochromis in Latin means Labido = pincer + chromis = colored. At this point in time this species is not yet described; therefore it is given the name of its location �Hongi�, which is taken from its name sake Hongi Island. Synonymous names include �Red Top Kimpuma�, �Hongi � Red Top�, and �Hongi Super Red Top�. In The Wild Labidochromis sp. ”Hongi”Labidochromis sp. “Hongi” naturally occurs on the east coast of Lake Malawi in the Tanzanian zone. The population has been sited as far North as Liuli and as far South as Undu Reef. The populations found at Hongi and Lundo Islands being the most attractive. Males are observed to be territorial. The feeding habits of this fish suggest it is a herbivore. Coloration Labidochromis sp. ”Hongi”The coloration of this fish differs depending on its mood. Dorsal fins also range in colour from yellow to orange. The colors of the dominant male can be quite exquisite, including orange blaze and creamy lilac coloring. Dark vertical barring extends along the sides of the fish from the base of the dorsal fin to the above the upper lip and can completely disappear depending on mood. The dominant males develop egg spots on anal fin and partial egg spots on the dorsal fin. Subdominant males will normally display a drab brownish purple coloration with some orange or yellow highlights. Females will normally show a submissive brownish purple colour, although they too can color shift to a marvellous pale lilac, showing off their darkened bars. Ventral fins in males are predominantly yellow with a dark stripe running from the body to the tip, females have black fins bordered on the front edge in white. Juveniles generally show similar colors to the subdominant males and females.