Nsess (Stomatepia mariae)

Scientific name: Stomatepia mariae Holly, 1930

The Nsess (Stomatepia mariae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–27°C (77–81°F). Native range: Africa, endemic to Lake Barombi-Mbo, Cameroon.

Nsess care at a glance

Temperature: 25–27°C (77–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: relatively robust, body depth 29.5-35.4% of standard length; mouth large, upper jaw (28.5-35.2% HL); lateral line system on head not notably enlarged; coloration dominated by a continuous mid-lateral band running from opercle to mid-level of caudal peduncle; microbranchiospines present on outer faces of second through fourth gill arches.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Stomatepia mariae
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 12.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: endemic to Lake Barombi-Mbo, Cameroon.
Conservation status (IUCN): Critically Endangered (CR) (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii))
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries:; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)