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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara aquilonium.jpg Aulonocara aquilonium 'Mdoka Reef'.jpg
Previous pageAulonocara aquilonium 'Mdoka Reef'
Genus: Aulonocara
Type locality: Mdoka, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Primarily open sandy habitats, often adjacent to rocky areas. Observed in groups in intermediate habitats but thought to occur most regularly over open sand.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Restricted to the northern end of the lake, known from the Mdoka and Ngara area.
Typical adult size: Up to about 11 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Pronounced. Males develop bright breeding coloration, while females remain smaller and cryptically colored. Sexes can be distinguished even in relatively small individuals by examination of the vent.
Recommended aquarium size: 200 L (minimum tank length 100 cm)
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate is essential to allow natural feeding and breeding behavior.
Provide open sandy areas with a few scattered rocks near which males can establish shallow sand depressions.
Keep only one male per aquarium; more than one female is optional.
Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates living in the sand. Prey is detected using enlarged cephalic sensory pores while hovering motionless just above the substrate, followed by a rapid strike into the sand.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend shallow sand depressions between or near rocks. Spawning has been observed mainly during the late dry to early rainy season.
Aggression: Low. Generally peaceful toward other cichlids, but males should not be kept together as Aulonocara are easily damaged when chased.
Special notes: A small sand-dwelling Aulonocara distinguished from related species by a combination of head proportions, eye size, and the presence of eight bars below the dorsal fin.
It has sometimes been exported under the name Aulonocara auditor.
Although currently assessed as not threatened, available data on population status remain limited.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
Photo: © Mange Hallin
Photo: © Mange Hallin
Photo: © Mange Hallin
Photo: © Mange Hallin
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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