Protomelas virgatus (Trewavas 1935)

Differs from P. fenestratus and P. taeniolatus in the more specialized form of the jaws, with the dental arch of the premaxilla narrow anteriorly, but spreading laterally at the posterior ends, with rather long anterior teeth, and in the enlargement of the pharyngeal teeth.

Dorsal spines (total): 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Individuals at Nkomo Reef were observed to occur over sand and scattered rocks at a depth of about 17 m. Feeds from the rocks and small pebbles of the environment and also from the zooplankton when this is available (Ref. 5595).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Protomelas virgatus is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. This species can reach a length of 14 centimetres (5.5 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.