It contains the single species Oxylapia polli, known locally as the songatana.

[1] The only other monotypic cichlid genus in Madagascar is Katria, and it is restricted to the same region as Oxylapia.

[4] The Oxylapia is the conservation flagship species for the district capital Marolambo.

[4] Oxylapia is a highly aggressive, elongate species that reaches about 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length.

[5] Its specific name honours Max Poll (1908-1991), a Belgian ichthyologist for his research into African cichlids and for the guidance he gave to the authors.