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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Corematodus taeniatus 'Chemwezi Rocks'.jpg Corematodus taeniatus 'Mazinzi Reef'.jpg Corematodus taeniatus 'Narungu Bay'.jpg
Previous pageCorematodus taeniatus 'Narungu Bay'
Genus: Corematodus
Type locality: Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Primarily sandy habitats, often among schools of sand-dwelling cichlids. Breeding takes place near rocks in intermediate habitats. Prefers shallow water but may occur at greater depths.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi; widespread throughout the lake, particularly common at small rocky areas bordering extensive sandy coasts.
Typical adult size: Males up to approximately 19 cm total length; females remain about one third smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow significantly larger than females. Breeding males may show subtle variation in coloration; males from the east coast near Masinje may develop a whitish blaze on the head and nape.
Diet: Specialized scale-eater. Feeds primarily on the small scales of the fins and caudal peduncle of sand-dwelling haplochromines (Mylochromis).
Breeding: Breeding males are present year-round. Males aggressively defend territories on top of rocks. Females visit territorial males to spawn. Mouthbrooding females later gather in small groups.
Aggression: Males are strongly territorial, with aggression mainly directed toward conspecific males. Other species are chased primarily during spawning.
Special notes: Exhibits mimicry, blending visually with sand-dwelling cichlids to enable surprise attacks on unsuspecting prey. Distinguished from Corematodus shiranus by the presence of a diagonal stripe (vertical bars in C. shiranus).

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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