Abstract
Metriaclima lanisticola, a native cichlid of Lake Malawi, was studied under laboratory conditions to evaluate its possible role as a predator of snails (Bulinus spp.). Bulinus globosus, B. nyassanus and B. tropicus were used as prey. B. globosus and B. nyassanus are intermediate hosts of human schistosomes in Lake Malawi. M. lanisticola orally shelled snails of all three species. Even when small snail sizes were offered, the fish shelled them. This suggests that M. lanisticola is entirely an oral sheller. Opercula of Melanoides species were commonly found in the stomach contents of wild-caught M. lanisticola, while whole snail shells or shell fragments were never observed, further suggesting that the fish is an oral sheller.M. lanisticola consumed more B. nyassanus in aquaria without substratum than in aquaria with a sandy substratum and apparently the fish is dependent on visual perception for prey detection.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
