Pearl of Likoma

The pearl of Likoma (Labidochromis joanjohnsonae) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae endemic to Lake Malawi where it is native to rocky areas around Likoma Island and it has been introduced to Thumbi West Island.^[2] This species can reach a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.^[3] Males are blue, while females are a greenish blue with rows of yellowish spots and shiny gills. They feed on crustaceans, insects, and larvae.

Pearl of Likoma
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cichliformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Labidochromis
Species:	L. joanjohnsonae
Binomial name
Labidochromis joanjohnsonae D. S. Johnson, 1974
Synonyms
Pseudotropheus joanjohnsonae Johnson, 1974 Melanochromis joanjohnsonae (Johnson, 1974) Melanochromis exasperatus Burgess, 1976 Labidochromis exasperatus (Burgess, 1976)

The specific name of this species honours Joan Johnson who was editor of The Aquarist magazine in which the description of this fish was published.^[4]

See also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species