We are all fascinated by the jaw morphology adaptation of Lake Malawi cichlids as one of the driving mechanism in their diversity. One of this months published studies has revealed the lateral line to be among the wonders of the feeding behaviour in cichlids.
Working on one of the peacock cichlids of the so called "Alunocara" group, it has been reported that their wide cavity lateral line is responsible for the efficiency of this species in getting food.
Three groups of fish were studied, one with normal cavity, another chemically deformed and last group feeding in the dark. The chemically deformed lateral line failed to ge their prey, while the other two hand their game on spot.
Let us know that this mechanism is widely spread among the deep sea fish, and for the peacocks to posses this adaptation within Lake Malawi system which is suggested to have clear waters and suppossedly clear feeding vision is one of the seven wonders in fish biology and the cichlid system as a whole.
As if this is not enough, on a lighter note this group of "Alunocara" is among the most expensive products of the aquarium trade despite having a wide distribution range within Lake Malawi.
The Lake Malawi biodiversity will never cease to amaze us!
WHATS NEXT THE CICHLIDS WE ARE WATCHING.
Monday, June 22, 2009
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1 comment:
I am wondering if there is any Jack Dempsey Cichlid in the lake. Despite of the fact that it is aggressive and very strong, i guess we should try jack dempsey cichlid breeding to learn more about this specie.
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