Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Genus:	Exochochromis
Type locality:	Thumbi West Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope:	Rocky habitats and intermediate zones; also over sandy substrates with scattered rocks
Geographic distribution:	Endemic to Lake Malawi; widely distributed throughout the lake
Typical adult size:	Up to about 24 cm total length (wild specimens)
Sexual dimorphism:	Females mouthbrood; males and females otherwise similar in body shape, males typically grow slightly larger
Recommended aquarium size:	At least 1000 litres; minimum tank length around 250 cm
Aquarium setup:	Large aquarium with extensive rockwork forming passages and hiding places. Structures should be stable and robust, combined with open swimming space.
Diet:	Carnivorous piscivore; primarily preys on other cichlids, especially mbuna.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth.
Aggression:	Generally calm but extremely robust and predatory; suitable only with large, non-prey tank mates.
Special notes:	An elongate predatory “three-spot” haplochromine with distinctive beak-like jaws and a highly specialized pharyngeal bone. Prey is often captured using a rapid sideways strike of the head. Popular as a specimen fish in very large aquaria.