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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Diplotaxodon limnothrissa.jpg Diplotaxodon limnothrissa 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg
Previous pageDiplotaxodon limnothrissa 'Nkhata Bay'
Genus: Diplotaxodon
Type locality: Just northeast of Boadzulu Island, Lake Malawi, at 49–52 m depth
Biotope: Open water (pelagic zone); deep offshore habitats
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi
Typical adult size: Up to about 18 cm total length; largest individuals usually females
Sexual dimorphism: No clear difference in adult size between males and females; largest individuals are usually females
Diet: Zooplankton feeder; adults mainly consume copepods, juveniles feed on chaoborid larvae and copepods; occasional remains of Engraulicypris sardella recorded
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; appears to be a free-water spawner. Ripe males and females are found year-round at various depths. Mouthbrooding females have been collected over very deep, anoxic water, and females may provide post-release care to juveniles
Special notes: Diplotaxodon limnothrissa is a small, elongate species lacking body spots or stripes, distinguishing it from most Lake Malawi cichlids. It is the most abundant haplochromine cichlid in the southeastern arm of the lake and supports a major fishery, with catches exceeding 600 tonnes in some years.

The species is a true open-water inhabitant throughout its life cycle. It competes with and occasionally preys upon the lake sardine (Engraulicypris sardella) and is itself an important prey item for large pelagic predators such as Rhamphochromis

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