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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Corematodus shiranus 'Monkey Bay'
Genus: Corematodus
Type locality: Upper Shire River, outflow from Lake Malawi, Africa.
Biotope: Occurs in the same habitats as its prey (Oreochromis species). Found over open sandy bottoms, near rocky areas, and occasionally in open water.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; lake-wide distribution, but apparently more common in the southern part of the lake.
Typical adult size: Up to approximately 24 cm total length.
Diet: Specialized scale-eater. Feeds by scraping small scales from the caudal fins of Oreochromis species.
Breeding: Poorly known. Males believed to defend sand-castle spawning sites. Breeding males observed with dark blue to black coloration.
Aggression: Predatory toward Oreochromis species due to scale-feeding behavior.
Special notes: One of the most striking examples of mimicry among cichlids, closely resembling its prey (Oreochromis species). Characterized by a disproportionately large mouth with 10–20 rows of teeth.

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Photo: © George Turner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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