| Lethrinops | |
|---|---|
| |
| Lethrinops lethrinus | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Tribe: | Haplochromini |
| Genus: | Lethrinops Regan, 1922 |
| Type species | |
| Chromis lethrinus Günther, 1894
| |
Lethrinops is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Particularly in the aquarium hobby, they are known as the sandeaters or sandsifters. Cichlid fishes of the Lethrinops genus have been studied in biology and ichthyology, primarily due to their radiated speciation and rapid evolution in their native habitat of Malawi. In biology, the speciation seen in these fish is known as explosive speciation. [1] Numerous environmental pressures, such as overfishing, invasive species, and pollution threaten species of the Lethrinops genus. Malawi has established a national park to protect the cichlid species within the lakes.[2]
- ^ MJ van Staaden ISSN: 0944-2006 , 1873-2720 Zoology. , 1994, Vol.98(95), p.165
- ^ Tweddle, D. (1992). "Conservation and threats to the resources of Lake Malawi". Sil Communications, 1953-1996. 23 (1): 17–24. Bibcode:1992SILC...23...17T. doi:10.1080/05384680.1992.11904004.