Open water; associated with deeper water near rocky areas
Geographic distribution:
Endemic to Lake Malawi
Typical adult size:
Up to about 14 cm
Sexual dimorphism:
Breeding males develop a dark body coloration with a contrasting pale blaze on the head; females and juveniles are lighter coloured and lack the intense breeding colours of males
Recommended aquarium size:
Minimum 300 litres; aquarium length at least 150 cm
Aquarium setup:
Large open swimming areas with fine sand substrate and some rock structures; emphasis on swimming space rather than dense rockwork
Diet:
Plankton feeder; feeds primarily on plankton in the open water column
Breeding:
Maternal mouthbrooder; males establish temporary territories near suitable structures during spawning
Aggression:
Generally peaceful for an utaka; males can be territorial during breeding
Special notes:
Previously described as Haplochromis mloto and Cyrtocara mloto. Considered part of the pelagic utaka assemblage of Lake Malawi
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