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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Likoma Island.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Madimba Bay.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Membe Point.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Mkanila Bay.jpg
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Genus: Aulonocara
Biotope: Rocky habitat without sediment and intermediate habitat. At Chizumulu Island found mainly in caves of the rocky biotope, while at Likoma Island also occurs in intermediate habitat. Depth ranges from a few meters in rocky areas to about 10–20 m in intermediate zones.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Likoma Island and Chizumulu Island, Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 13 cm, females up to about 10 cm.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 350 liters; minimum aquarium length 150 cm.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate with scattered rock formations. Provide large rocks arranged to form deep, dark caves, which are essential for territorial males.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans collected from the sand using enlarged sensory pores.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories inside caves; large caves may host many males and groups of females. Spawning occurs on bare rock or sand inside the cave. Dominant males prefer higher and darker positions within caves.
Aggression: Generally peaceful. Territorial behavior is limited to caves and directed mainly toward conspecific males. Should be kept with other calm Malawi cichlids; avoid aggressive mbuna.
Special notes: Closely related to the A. jacobfreibergi group and similar to A. sp. ‘lwanda’. Distinguished by red–orange margins on the dorsal and anal fins. Known only from small, localized populations.

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