Melanochromis Crabro Sp. Nov.: a Cichlid Fish From Lake Malawi Which Feeds On Ectoparasites and Catfish Eggs

Melanochromis crabro sp. nov., a member of the "Mbuna" group, is described from Lake Malawi. It feeds upon a variety of foods, but appears to be adapted to feed on Argulus africanus, a branchiuran parasite commonly found on the catfish, Bagrus meridionalis. It is suggested that the host-cleaner association also facilitates an egg-stealing habit, since M. crabro robs B. meridionalis of its eggs which are laid on the substratum.