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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Caprichromis liemi 'Boadzulu Island'.jpg Caprichromis liemi 'Luwala Reef'.jpg
Next pageCaprichromis liemi 'Boadzulu Island'
Genus: Caprichromis
Type locality: Western Thumbi Island, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate and rocky habitats as well as sandy bottoms. Frequently occurs in midwater and is almost constantly on the move.
Geographic distribution: Widespread throughout Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 23 cm total length. Females remain approximately 25% smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger than females and develop breeding coloration. Females are smaller and less conspicuously colored.
Recommended aquarium size: Large aquarium required due to adult size and activity level (minimum 600 L recommended).
Aquarium setup: Spacious tank with open swimming areas. Sandy substrate combined with scattered rocks and large boulders. Strong filtration and excellent water quality are essential.
Diet: Specialized predator and brood robber. Feeds mainly on eggs, larvae, and fry stolen from mouthbrooding cichlids. Also targets ectoparasites (fish lice, Argulus) attached to the throats of other cichlids.
Breeding: Males excavate and defend large spawning pits built against boulders. Breeding colonies with multiple males have been observed in the wild. Mouthbrooding females occur in small groups on sandy areas. Post-release parental care is unknown.
Aggression: Not overtly aggressive toward tankmates, but highly predatory. Unsuitable for community aquaria with mouthbrooding cichlids due to brood predation.
Special notes: Distinguished from Caprichromis orthognathus by a less steep gape inclination (40–60°) and a more inclined premaxillary pedicel (20–30°). Although considered a brood robber, field observations suggest that parasitic fish lice may be a primary target, with eggs and fry taken opportunistically. Assessed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Rarely kept in aquaria and not known to have been bred in captivity.

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