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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Chitseko Reef.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Maleri Island.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Nakantenga Island.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Nankoma Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageAulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Nakantenga Island
Genus: Aulonocara
Biotope: Intermediate habitat. Occurs at depths of approximately 8–12 m. Feeds over sand and breeds inside caves formed by rocks resting on the sand.
Geographic distribution: Namalenje Island, Nankoma Island, Maleri Island, Nakantenga Island, Mumbo Island, and Chidunga Rocks (Lake Malawi).
Typical adult size: Males up to 14 cm, females up to 11 cm.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L
Aquarium setup: Minimum tank length of 140 cm. Fine sand substrate with scattered groups of rocks forming caves. Keep one male with 1–2 females, or a larger group in a sufficiently spacious aquarium. House only with peaceful Malawi cichlids.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates living in the sand, located using enlarged sensory pores on the head.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend caves as spawning sites; only males with concealed territories are successful breeders. Females occur singly or in small groups over sand.
Aggression: Generally peaceful but easily stressed by aggressive species. Avoid boisterous mbuna.
Special notes: Previously regarded as a population of Aulonocara baenschi but differs by a much straighter snout. Not abundant at any locality. The best-known exported form is the “Sunshine Peacock” from Chidunga Rocks. Avoid keeping together with other Aulonocara stuartgranti variants due to hybridization risk.

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