Preliminary results of an ecomorphological study on the anal spots of haplochromines
are presented. A functional explanation for the form "anal spot" is given. At least
two functional demands seem to be important in determining this form:
1) the aim of resembling an egg (intra-specific mimicry) and
2) the aim of being visible; conspicuousness of the anal spots may have a positive
impact on the behaviour of conspecific ripe females (benefits), but predation
risks may increase by the possession of conspicuous spots (costs).