Description
Perch-like fish that are slightly to very compressed; distinguished from most other freshwater fish by only possessing a single pair of nostrils; dorsal fin continuous; anal fin with 3 or more spines; the sometimes greatly elongated pelvic fins are inserted below the pectoral fins; subocular shelf absent; lateral line interrupted.
Distribution
Large family of mainly freshwater fishes, found in both the Old and New World. Large numbers of species have developed that are endemic to the larger lakes of Africa and Central America. The brackish-water genus Etroplus is found in India and Sri Lanka.
Species included on this CD-rom:
Etroplus maculatus (Bloch)
Etroplus suratensis (Bloch)
Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)