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Lethrinops

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Lethrinops
Lethrinops lethrinus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Tribe: Haplochromini
Genus: Lethrinops
Regan, 1922
Type species
Chromis lethrinus
Günther, 1894

Lethrinops is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Particularly in the aquarium hobby, they are known as the sandeaters or sandsifters. Cichlid fishes of the Lethrinops genus have been studied in biology and ichthyology, primarily due to their radiated speciation and rapid evolution in their native habitat of Malawi. In biology, the speciation seen in these fish is known as explosive speciation. [1] Numerous environmental pressures, such as overfishing, invasive species, and pollution threaten species of the Lethrinops genus. Malawi has established a national park to protect the cichlid species within the lakes.[2]

Species

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There are currently 24 recognized species in this genus:[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ MJ van Staaden ISSN: 0944-2006 , 1873-2720 Zoology. , 1994, Vol.98(95), p.165
  2. ^ Tweddle, D. (1992). "Conservation and threats to the resources of Lake Malawi". Sil Communications, 1953-1996. 23 (1): 17–24. Bibcode:1992SILC...23...17T. doi:10.1080/05384680.1992.11904004.
  3. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Species in genus Lethrinops". FishBase. February 2013 version.
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