Protomelas pleurotaenia (Boulenger 1901)

P. pleurotaenia is relatively small, attaining about 115 mm SL. Differs from P. kirkii, P. labridens, P. similis, P. marginatus, and P. spilonotus in the small mouth which is less than 33% of the head length. Like P. kirkii and P. labridens it has some enlarged pharyngeal teeth. Caudal fin emarginate.

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 33

Found in vegetated areas between rocks and sand. Feeds on invertebrates that it locates in the sand by blowing into the upper sediment layer.

Found in vegetated areas between rocks and sand. Feeds on invertebrates that it locates in the sand by blowing into the upper sediment layer (Ref. 5595).

aquarium: commercial

Protomelas pleurotaenia is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only known from Monkey Bay and Nkhata Bay where it is known to occur from the surface to 10 metres (33 ft). This species can reach a length of 14.1 centimetres (5.6 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade.