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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'walteri'.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Likoma Island.jpg Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' Madimba Bay.jpg
Next pageAulonocara sp. 'walteri' (unknown locality)
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.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Morgan Malvezzi
Photo: © Morgan Malvezzi
Photo: © Ozgur Jacqueline Demir
Photo: © Ozgur Jacqueline Demir
Photo: © Ozgur Jacqueline Demir
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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