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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara hueseri 'Likoma Island'.jpg Aulonocara hueseri 'Maingano Island'.jpg Aulonocara hueseri 'Mbamba Island'.jpg Aulonocara hueseri 'Yofu Bay'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageAulonocara hueseri 'Maingano Island'
Genus: Aulonocara
Type locality: East coast of Likoma Island, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat over sand with scattered rocks. Most abundant at depths of about 5–15 m, with an average around 8 m.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Restricted to Likoma Island.
Typical adult size: Males up to 12 cm; females up to 9 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Clear. Males are larger and develop distinct breeding coloration, while females remain smaller and cryptically colored.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L (minimum tank length 150 cm)
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate with open sandy areas interrupted by small groups of rocks.
Keep one male with 1–2 females, or alternatively in larger groups (e.g. several males with a larger group of females) provided sufficient space is available.
House only with peaceful cichlids; mbuna are generally too aggressive for this species.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans living in the sand, located using the enlarged cephalic sensory pores characteristic of the genus.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males usually defend territories in narrow spaces between flat rocks and sand, often excavating shallow caves beneath rocks.
Territories are commonly adjacent to one another and may be defended at close range. Females typically occur in large foraging groups.
Aggression: Low. A peaceful species that does not compete well with aggressive cichlids. Territorial behavior is mainly limited to breeding males.
Special notes: Aulonocara hueseri lacks a formal diagnostic description and is separated mainly by a combination of morphology, coloration, and geographic isolation.
It is closely related to Aulonocara korneliae from Chizumulu Island, which grows larger, has a slightly deeper body, and shows an orange shoulder in breeding males.
The species is listed as Vulnerable, primarily due to its very restricted distribution, although no direct threats are currently known.
As with many Aulonocara, care should be taken in aquaria to avoid hybridization with related species.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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