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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia.jpg Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia 'Chimwalani Reef'.jpg Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia 'Likoma Island'.jpg Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia 'Ntekete'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageHemitaeniochromis urotaenia 'Likoma Island'
Genus: Hemitaeniochromis
Type locality: Lake Nyassa [Domira Bay]
Biotope: Shallow sandy substrates and deeper zones where rocky reefs overlie sand, at depths from <10 m to 26 m.
Geographic distribution: Found all around the shores of Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Up to 22.2 cm total length in examined specimens; specimens from Likoma Island may reach up to 30 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger than females and during the breeding period become more colorful with longer fins.
Recommended aquarium size: Aquarium at least 2 m in length, approximately 800 liters.
Aquarium setup: Large sandy areas interspersed with big stones, providing shelter for subordinate fish. Water should be clear, well filtered, alkaline, and moderately hard, with a temperature range of 23–27 °C.
Diet: Piscivorous; feeds on other fish. In captivity, accepts artificial foods, with a substantial part of the diet consisting of shrimp flesh.
Breeding: Territorial males construct shallow sandcastle spawning sites near or against rocks. Very shallow pits are excavated in the sand, sometimes incorporating a small stone. Females have been observed guarding free-swimming fry until they reach a relatively large size.
Aggression: Highly aggressive and territorial.
Special notes: Earlier literature contained misidentifications of living specimens, particularly from Likoma Island. Subsequent revisions clarified that there is no distinct variety of this species throughout Lake Malawi, despite minor variation in the longitudinal band pattern.

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