Ptychochromis makira Stiassny & Sparks 2006

It is distinguished from all congeners by the presence of three laterosensory pore foramina on the lachrymal and a unique pigmentation pattern consisting of four distinctive V-shaped black bars on the flanks superimposed on an overall whitish base (Ref. 57663). Extremely deep-bodied and laterally compressed (Ref. 57663). It has a total of six infraorbital bones (Ref. 57663). In preservative, the ground coloration is pale creamy white to yellow, body much lighter ventrally; 4 black V-shaped bands present on flanks, which extend ventrally to lateraly midline; fins pale yellow to grayish and blackish terminally, except pectoral fins (Ref. 57663).

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 27

Although once common throughout the region of Maroansetra, Ptychochromis makira has suffered a severe decline in abundance in recent years, according to local fishermen (Ref. 57663). They report that the species is now rare (Ref. 57663).

Ptychochromis makira is a species of cichlid only known from the Antainambalana River in the northernmost part of the Toamasina Province in Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss and overfishing, and has suffered a severe decline in recent years. It reaches a length of 14.6 centimetres (5.7 in) SL.