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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Lethrinops sp. 'auritus lion' Lion's Cove.jpg Lethrinops sp. ‘auritus lion’ Nkhata Bay.jpg
Previous pageLethrinops sp. 'auritus lion' Nkhata Bay
Genus: Lethrinops
Biotope: Sandy areas in deeper intermediate zones (25–30 m).
Geographic distribution: Known from Lion's Cove (T'hoto Bay) near Nkhata Bay, Malawi. Only a single confirmed collection locality is documented.
Typical adult size: 8–9 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males display a glittering blue base color with a lemon yellow belly. Females are smaller, silvery, and lack bright coloration.
Recommended aquarium size: 150–200 L for a species-only aquarium. Larger aquaria are recommended for mixed sand-dwelling communities.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate is mandatory. A few scattered pebbles may be added for decoration and territory delimitation. Clean, well-filtered and well-oxygenated water is required.
Diet: No direct data available. Presumed to feed on particles and small organisms found in sand, similar to other Lethrinops and related sand-dwelling species.
Breeding: Very limited information. One territorial male was observed over sand at 25 m depth, associated with sand mounds approximately 15 cm high and 50–80 cm apart.
Aggression: Peaceful. Displays low aggression similar to other small sand-dwelling haplochromines.
Special notes: Generic placement is provisional. Although currently placed in Lethrinops due to size and sand-dwelling habits, coloration and head shape suggest possible affinity with the Placidochromis electra group of blue followers.

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Photo: © Mattia Matarrese
Photo: © Patrick Tawil
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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