Protomelas triaenodon (Trewavas 1935)

The strongly marked longitudinal lateral stripes and the tricuspid teeth of the outer rows separate P. triaenodon from all other species of the genus. The color pattern is particularly distinctive in the specimens.

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 31

Has been caught over sandy bottoms (Ref. 5595). Frequently taken in ad hoc trawl hauls at 10-15 m but has been found at 35 m (Ref. 267).

aquarium: commercial

Protomelas triaenodon is a species of cichlid native to the southern portion of Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe and the Shire River. This species can reach a length of 15.4 centimetres (6.1 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.