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Type: Article
Published: 2008-08-27
Page range: 21–32
Abstract views: 50
PDF downloaded: 2

Geographic variation in Neolamprologus niger (Poll, 1956) (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

Royal Museum for Central Africa, Zoology Department, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium and Leuven University, Department of Biology, Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Zoology Department, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium and Leuven University, Department of Biology, Animal Diversity and Systematics, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Fish East African lakes morphological variation morphometry taxonomy biogeography cichlids Lamprologini

Abstract

Intraspecific morphological variation in Neolamprologus niger from seven localities along the north-western shoreline of Lake Tanganyika (Luhanga, Bemba, Ubwari West, Ubwari East, Yungu, Kabimba and Kalemie) was investigated. As a result of geographical variation, the populations could be categorized into a northern, a central and a southern group. A clear clinal pattern was found for several meristics and measurements. The lack of knowledge on the geographical variation in African cichlids and its implication for further taxonomic research is discussed.

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