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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia pulpican.jpg Maylandia pulpican 'Likoma Island'.jpg Maylandia pulpican 'Londo Bay'.jpg
Next pageMaylandia pulpican (unknown locality)<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima pulpican (unknown locality)</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Membe Point, Maingano Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat with small rocks interspersed with sand. Occurs mainly at depths of 10–20 m, with a recorded range from approximately 4 to 30 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi around the islands of Maingano, Mbamba, Masimbwe and Mbuzi near Likoma Island. Additional populations occur along the Mozambican coast around Londo and Lumbaulo.
Typical adult size: Wild specimens usually reach about 9 cm total length. In aquarium conditions, individuals may grow substantially larger, reaching up to 15 cm when abundantly fed.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and show a more intense blue coloration. Females are generally greyish, with a yellow anal fin, shorter fins and smaller ocelli; older females may develop a pale blue coloration.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 250 liters, with larger aquaria (300–500 liters or more) preferable for long-term maintenance of multiple males.
Aquarium setup: An aquarium with numerous rocks and shelters is required. Territories are established around rock-associated sand patches used for spawning. Recommended stocking is one male with at least three to four females, or larger groups such as several males with a higher number of females. Aggression is mainly directed toward conspecifics, while other species are usually tolerated.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on Aufwuchs in the wild. Natural diet may also include plankton when available. In aquarium conditions, a vegetable-based diet is essential, and overfeeding should be avoided.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males excavate pits beneath or alongside rocks and defend territories centered on these spawning sites. Females incubate the eggs orally after spawning, while males remain territorial after the breeding event.
Aggression: Generally relatively peaceful compared to many other mbuna, but can be highly aggressive toward conspecifics, especially between territorial males.
Special notes: The melanic pattern and overall coloration vary according to geographic origin; populations from Mozambique usually show thinner vertical bars, while some insular populations may appear darker overall. Despite strong territoriality, males can maintain very small territories, allowing multiple males to coexist in adequately structured aquaria. Closely related species should be avoided to reduce competition and the risk of hybridization.

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Photo: © Sale Sesetdevet
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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