Results for “lepidophage”
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Melanochromis lepidiadaptes
authority not recorded
Max length120mm SL5in SLTank90 × 45cm36 × 18inTemp24–28°C75–82°FpH7.6–8.8This species was originally sold as M. fuscus and then M. sp. "lepidophage. The name refers to the act of lepidophagy, which is the act of a fish eating the scales of another fish. In nature M. lepidiadaptes apparently lives an opportunistic lifestyle, feeding almost solely on the scales of other species, although interestingly not other mbuna. However in aquaria this behaviour has never been witnessed. Do not keep it with other Melanochromis species as they may hybridise....
Cyprinodon desquamatorScale-eating pupfish
Martin & Wainwright, 2013
Max length31mm SL1.2in SLTanknot recordedTempnot recordedpHnot recordedThis species is a specialised lepidophage with approximately 50 % of the diet comprising the scales of other fishes. Physical adaptations to this behaviour include its elongate body and jaw mechanism permitting a fast biting action.