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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'jalo' Jalo Reef
Genus: Aulonocara
Biotope: Deep rocky habitat. Lives among large boulders forming a reef at around 15 m depth, with sand beginning at unknown depths well below 60 m. Small sand patches occur between rocks and are covered with a thick layer of sediment. Water visibility is poor year-round.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Jalo Reef, north of Nkhotakota, Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 12 cm, females up to about 10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Present. Males differ clearly in coloration from females; male coloration is distinct from similar-looking yellow variants of Aulonocara stuartgranti, which have a smaller mouth.
Diet: Insect larvae and crustaceans. Unlike most Aulonocara, this species has never been observed feeding in the typical “listening to the sand” posture.
Breeding: Poorly known. Appears to live a solitary life in dark caves. Males in breeding coloration are only occasionally observed moving between caves. Females are rarely seen and likely remain hidden in caves.
Aggression: Low. Solitary and cave-oriented, with little observed interaction between individuals.
Special notes: An undescribed deep-water Aulonocara with a very restricted distribution and a very small known population. Although not evaluated by the IUCN, its limited range makes it potentially vulnerable to local extinction.

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