Coptodon discolor (Günther 1903)

Diagnosis: lower pharyngeal bone about as long as broad, and with anterior lamella shorter than toothed area; median pharyngeal teeth not broadened; upper profile of head strongly convex; dorsal fin with 14-16 spines and 12-15 soft rays; flanks and belly whitish; head, back and flanks with irregular black spots; no bifurcated dark vertical bars on flanks; dorsal and anal without orange-red upper margin; caudal greyish to blackish (Ref. 53405).Description: outer jaw teeth bicuspid and non-spatulate, inner jaw teeth and posterior pharyngeal teeth tricuspid; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405). Caudal fin truncate to moderately forked (Ref. 52307).Coloration: ground colour whitish on sides and belly, yellowish-green on back; entire body, and in particular head, back and sides covered with irregular black spots; few bluish-green spots on occiput; belly sometimes blackish, with some red pigment; dorsal fin greyish-black, with some light oblique lines between spines, upper margin blackish and tip white-edged in large adults; "tilapian" spot has not been observed; pectoral fins transparent, pelvics and anal fin whitish to black; caudal fin greyish to black, sometimes spotted in central area, upper angle with a narrow edge in large adults (Lake Bosumtwi) (Ref. 53405). Black pattern unique to this species and not seen in congeners; when breeding, black pattern on body becomes more intense and breast turns bright red (Ref. 52307).

Courtship occurs as male circular displays around the females. Unresponsive females are chased away from the spawning area by the males. Distinct pairing (Ref. 205) is resorted to after courtship. Each couple prepares the nest in a chosen suitable substrate where the eggs are laid in batches, fertilised, incubated and hatched. Both parents guard the eggs from intruders.

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9

Mainly herbivorous, but also takes small amounts of crustaceans and insects (Ref. 52307). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Pair-bonding, open (Ref. 52307) substrate brooder/spawner, with both parents guarding the brood (Ref. 52307, 55659). Eggs are laid and incubated in nests (Ref. 55659).

fisheries:

Coptodon discolor is a vulnerable species of fish in the cichlid family. It is endemic to Lake Bosumtwi, Bia River Basin, Pra River Basin and Tano River Basin in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. It is threatened by pollution and sedimentation from human activities. It reaches a length of 22.5 cm (8.9 in).