Tristramella sacra (Gunther, 1865)

Tristramella sacra View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Long jaw Tristramella .

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● lower jaw strongly projecting / ● all teeth conical / ○ nuptial male pale-grey or pinkish white without white spots or vermiculation on flank / ○ chest never red / ○ 13 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 320 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Israel: Lake Kinneret.

Habitat. Lacustrine.

Biology. Spawns in April–July. Paternal mouthbrooders. Feeds on zooplankton and small fish.

Conservation status. Extinct; last seen in 1990, despite research both in lake and local markets. Destruction of breeding habitat (marshes in northern part of lake) may be reason for its extinction.

Further reading. Krupp & Schneider 1989 (identification, distribution).