Protomelas annectens (Regan 1922)

Description: medium-sized species (Ref. 267). Dominantly unicuspid outer dentition (Ref. 55954). Differs from the other species of Protomelas in having a high occipital crest (Ref. 267).Coloration: basic melanin pattern of the plesiomorphic form, with a general bluish color (Ref. 267).

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 32 - 33

Common at depths of about 10 m. Prefers shallow water and is usually found together with large, sand-dwelling cichlids. Opportunistic feeder that is attracted to any moving object that stirs up some sediment (Ref. 5595).

aquarium: commercial

Protomelas annectens is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is found in sandy shallows with large species of cichlid. This species can reach a length of 20 centimetres (7.9 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade.