Author: Konings & Stauffer, 2012
Remark: Also reported as <i>Melanochromis</i> 'blue' by Ribbink <i>et al.</i> (1983) (Ref. 89864).
Comments: <i>Melanochromis mpoto</i> is a non-specialized, non-territorial cichlid, which lives in rocky and intermediate habitats; often seen at depths of 20-40 m (Ref. 89864). It lives a predatory life but has also been seen feeding on plankton; larger specimens appear to be mainly opportunistic piscivores (Ref. 89864). Adults are usually solitary but quick to form small 'packs' of up to a dozen individuals when hunting opportunities arise; such packs can contain more than a single male in breeding colouration; these small packs move quickly through the habitat, apparently causing commotion among small prey fishes and invertebrates, and scavenging on anything that seems worth consuming (Ref. 89864). Mouthbrooding females are solitary and sometimes found in water shallower than 10 m (Ref. 89864).