Docimodus evelynae, three of the paratypes (uncatalogued specimens when photographed in 1971 in BMNH, field reference NNB 4992 and NNB 4746, Nkata Bay, gill nets 26 March 1959; with an Iles manuscript name; right side of bottom fish had been dissected to reveal the skeleton). Photo copyright © by M. K. Oliver.

This specialized predator has been found to feed on the flank scales of cichlids and cyprinids and on the skin of catfishes (Eccles & Lewis, 1976). I am not making this up! Its congener, Docimodus johnstonii, has feeding habits that are perhaps even more bizarre.
 

 

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The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi, Africa: MalawiCichlids.com

Last Update: 8 April 2002
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