Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Buccochromis
Type locality:	Lake Malawi (Domira Bay)
Biotope:	Sandy habitats. Juveniles occur in shallow nearshore waters, while adults inhabit deeper sandy areas, typically at depths of about 15–30 m.
Geographic distribution:	Widespread throughout Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe.
Typical adult size:	Up to about 42 cm total length
Sexual dimorphism:	Males grow larger and develop more pronounced coloration and patterning. Females remain smaller and less intensely colored.
Recommended aquarium size:	At least 1000 L
Aquarium setup:	Very large aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Fine sand substrate is essential; use only a few large rocks to break up sightlines while maintaining wide open sandy areas.
Diet:	Piscivorous predator feeding primarily on other cichlids, especially smaller haplochromines.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males form temporary territories over sand; females carry and release fry in open areas.
Aggression:	Generally peaceful toward similarly sized or larger fishes, but highly predatory toward smaller species.
Special notes:	One of the more slender-bodied species of Buccochromis, distinguished by its narrow caudal peduncle. Populations in the southern arms of the lake and in Lake Malombe are affected by heavy fishing pressure.