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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Dimidiochromis compressiceps.jpg Dimidiochromis compressiceps 'Chilongo Bay'.jpg Dimidiochromis compressiceps 'Chiofu'.jpg Dimidiochromis compressiceps 'Chiwi Rocks'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageDimidiochromis compressiceps 'Chilongo Bay'
Genus: Dimidiochromis
Type locality: Lake Malawi
Biotope: Shallow, sediment-rich bays with dense vegetation, especially Vallisneria beds; typically 1–10 m depth. Non-breeding individuals may occasionally occur in the intermediate habitat (reported at Chizumulu Island).
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi (also occurs in Lake Malombe).
Typical adult size: Males up to about 23 cm; females up to about 18 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger. Females and non-breeding males are usually silvery, but some populations (e.g. Chizumulu Island, Cobwé and possibly introduced Nkhata Bay) show a golden-yellow coloration. Breeding males show a strongly laterally compressed body with greenish horizontal striping; in parts of the southeastern arm and Lake Malombe males may show more red in the anal fin than elsewhere.
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 600 litres; aquarium length at least 180 cm.
Aquarium setup: Large open sandy areas planted with vegetation (Vallisneria strongly recommended); only minimal rockwork. Best kept as 1 male with 2–3 females; larger groups only in very large aquaria. Choose tankmates carefully—compatible with larger, calmer Malawi cichlids; avoid small species that can be preyed upon.
Diet: Carnivorous predator; primarily hunts small fishes, especially juvenile utaka and other schooling cichlids. Ambushes prey among plants, often adopting a head-down posture before striking.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Territorial males prepare a shallow depression in the sand as a spawning site, often between plant beds (sometimes near driftwood or under overhangs). Females brood alone and commonly release fry among schools of juvenile utaka within the vegetation.
Aggression: Generally peaceful toward similarly sized fishes; males can be territorial. Not suitable with smaller species due to predatory behavior.
Special notes: Distinguished from most Malawi cichlids by its extremely laterally compressed body, very long snout, pronounced chin, and greenish horizontal striping. It typically shows two horizontal bands; other Dimidiochromis species usually show only the mid-lateral band plus blotchy dorsal-base markings. Assessed as Least Concern (LC), though vegetated habitats can be damaged by beach seining.

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