Six New Species of Labeotropheus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the Malaŵian Shore of Lake Malaŵi, Africa

Abstract

Labeotropheus is a small genus of rock-dwelling haplochromine cichlid fishes endemic to Lake Malaŵi in the Great East African Rift Valley. As currently recognized, Labeotropheus contains five species: L. artatorostris, L. chlorosiglos, L. fuelleborni, L. simoneae, and L. trewavasae. Despite increased recent attention from taxonomists, there are still several undescribed species within this genus. Here, based upon morphological and meristic data, as well as differences in male nuptial color pattern, we describe six new species. Additionally, we update the type locality of L. simoneae. The descriptions of these new species are in line with current recommendations to better define and delimit the taxonomy of cichlids from Lake Malaŵi, which will hopefully lead to increased efforts to conserve these fishes.