Stomatepia is a genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. Although generally recognized as distinct, the genus is very close to Sarotherodon.[1] The Stomatepia species are all recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. They are potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos),[2] although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.[3] Konia, Myaka and Pungu are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.

Stomatepia
Stomatepia pindu
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Tribe: Oreochromini
Genus: Stomatepia
Trewavas, 1962
Type species
Paratilapia mariae
Holly, 1930

Species edit

There are currently three recognized species in this genus:[4]

References edit

  1. ^ Martin, Christopher H.; Cutler, Joseph S.; Friel, John P.; Dening Touokong, Cyrille; Coop, Graham; Wainwright, Peter C. (2015). "Complex histories of repeated gene flow in Cameroon crater lake cichlids cast doubt on one of the clearest examples of sympatric speciation". Evolution. 69 (6): 1406–1422. doi:10.1111/evo.12674. PMID 25929355.
  2. ^ Musilová, Zuzana; Indermaur, Adrian; Nyom, Arnold Roger Bitja; Tropek, Robert; Martin, Christopher; Schliewen, Ulrich K. (2014). "Persistence of Stomatepia mongo , an Endemic Cichlid Fish of the Barombi Mbo Crater Lake, Southwestern Cameroon, with Notes on Its Life History and Behavior". Copeia. 2014 (3): 556–560. doi:10.1643/CI-14-021.
  3. ^ Freeth, S.J.; C.O. Ofoegbu; and K.M. Onuoha (1992). Natural Hazards in West and Central Africa, pp. 50—51. ISBN 978-3-663-05239-5
  4. ^ Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). Species of Stomatepia in FishBase. April 2013 version.