Orthochromis stormsi (Boulenger 1902)

Description: slender, yet relatively deep-bodied; snout rounded; frontal profile slightly concave; caudal fin truncate to subtruncate; males larger than females and with a more robust head and slightly better developed (larger) unpaired fins and pelvic fins; pelvic fins rounded in both sexes (Ref. 52307). Cheek squamation, 1-3 rows of scales; chest squamation, minute, deeply embedded, often with bilaterally scaleless area; nape and nuchal scales smaller than polyacanthus, deeply embedded, appearing naked (Ref. 26626).Coloration: body grayish-brown to olive, paler ventrally; dark longitudinal band at mid-body; at times 7 dark vertical bars may be visible; black stripe from eye to corner of mouth, another from posterior edge of eye to posterior edge of opercle; males without egg spots in anal fin; when courting, entire body paler, nearly yellowish (Ref. 52307).

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 6 - 8; Vertebrae: 27 - 30

Rheophilic; mainly feeds on algae and aufwuchs, animal matter is rarely taken; polygamous, ovophilic, maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 52307).

fisheries:

Orthochromis stormsi is a species of cichlid endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is known from the upper Congo River basin and Lake Mweru. It has also been reported from Pool Malebo (Stanley Pool) and the Regina Falls in the lower Congo River basin, but the identity of these populations requires further investigation. This species can reach a length of 10.2 centimetres (4.0 in) SL. The specific name honors the Belgian Army Lieutenant Maurice Joseph Auguste Marie Raphael Storms (1875-1941) who collected the type which he presented to the Brussels Museum.