# Two new species of Mylochromis (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi, Africa

## TL;DR

Two new species of Mylochromis cichlids were discovered in Lake Malawi, distinguished by body shape and dental features.

## Contribution

Description of two new Mylochromis species with morphological distinctions and lectotype designations for comparator species.

## Key findings

- Mylochromis rotundus is distinguished by a deep, rounded body and lack of enlarged pharyngeal teeth.
- Mylochromis durophagus is characterized by strongly molarized pharyngeal dentition and a deeper body.
- Lectotypes were designated for Mylochromis sphaerodon and Mylochromis subocularis for taxonomic clarity.

## Abstract

Two new species of Mylochromis Regan 1920 are described from specimens collected on shallow rocky habitats on the northwestern coast of Lake Malawi. The generic designation is based on their prominent oblique‐striped pattern and lack of any of the unique features of other Malawi cichlid genera with this pattern. Mylochromis rotundus sp. nov. is distinguished from most congeneric species by its relatively deep, rounded body and lack of enlarged pharyngeal teeth. It is further distinguished from Mylochromis semipalatus and Mylochromis melanonotus (if they are different species) by its relatively shorter snout. Mylochromis durophagus sp. nov. is distinguished from most congeneric species by its strongly molarized pharyngeal dentition. It differs from Mylochromis mola by having a shorter snout, a less acutely pointed head profile, a deeper body, and a more continuous oblique stripe. M. durophagus has a much less steep head profile than Mylochromis anaphyrmus or Mylochromis sphaerodon. It is suggested that M. rotundus was previously identified informally as Mylochromis sp. “mollis north,” and M. durophagus as Mylochromis sp. “mollis chitande.” Lectotypes are designated for comparator species M. sphaerodon and Mylochromis subocularis.