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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Ctenopharynx pictus.jpg Ctenopharynx pictus 'Likoma Island'.jpg Ctenopharynx pictus 'Liwani'.jpg
Next pageCtenopharynx pictus (unknown locality)
Genus: Ctenopharynx
Type locality: Vua, Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)
Biotope: Sediment-rich rocky habitat and intermediate habitats; occurs mainly over rocky substrates.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 14 cm total length; females about one fifth smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Breeding males develop a light blue nuptial coloration; outside the breeding season males resemble females, both showing three large dark blotches on the flanks. Females remain smaller.
Diet: Feeds on small benthic invertebrates, mainly copepods. Uses a highly protrusible, downward-opening mouth to vacuum-clean the algal carpet on rocks while avoiding ingestion of coarse sediment.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Breeding males establish weakly defended territories on top of rocks near sand and may carry sand up onto rocks to form a bower. Most breeding activity occurs during or shortly after the rainy season. Females guard their fry for three to four weeks after release.
Aggression: Territoriality is weak and mainly directed towards conspecific males.
Special notes: Distinguished by a high number of gill rakers (32–38) and a smaller adult size compared to C. intermedius.

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Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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