The Kotsovato or Calico Damba is native to northwest Madagascar. It is severely threatened by
habitat loss, overfishing and introduction of invasive predators and competitiors.
The range covers several river basins and lakes and it is thought that it might be more than one species.
It is similar to the closely related P. gymnopreopercularis discovered in 2008.
They are omnivores eating aquatic plants and invertebrates and can reach 16cm (6 inches) long.
They become more mottled orange and "calico" when breeding.