Xenotilapia sp. "lepeli" (Xenotilapia flavipinnis)

Xenotilapia sp. “lepeli” was discovered in a shipment to the German wholesale company Mal-Ta-Vi, collected in the vicinity of Cape Tembwe on the Congolese coast. The overall shape of the body resembles X. flavipinnis, but there seem to be some differences: the body is slightly higher, while the head profile somewhat resemble X. papilio, and the flank of the fish is adorned with many mother-of-pearl colored spots.

Addendum: After subsequent imports it became clear that Xenotilapia sp. “lepeli” was not a new species, but represented a distinct population of Xenotilapia flavipinnis. The fish imported under the name of 'Kainda' also belong to this population, likely collected at Mtotokainda, the smallest of the Kavala Islands; recently imports from Kalemie has arrived as well.

References:

• Jandel, Denis; Xenotilapia lepeli Blue Spot. Internet publication.