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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas kirkii 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas kirkii 'Mvunguti'.jpg Protomelas kirkii 'South East Arm'.jpg
Previous pageProtomelas kirkii 'South East Arm'
Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Lake Malawi and Upper Shire
Biotope: Very shallow vegetated areas, most frequently in sheltered bays. Adults are often seen in about 1 m of water and breeding takes place in these shallow regions.
Geographic distribution: Occurs throughout Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males attain about 16 cm total length. Females remain approximately one fourth smaller.
Aquarium setup: Only one male should be kept per aquarium due to strong territorial behavior.
Diet: Picks at aufwuchs growing on submerged tree trunks and roots. Diet consists mainly of invertebrates, especially snails found within the aufwuchs.
Breeding: Breeds during July to September. Territorial males construct small sand-castles in colonies at depths of about 2 m. Spawning occurs in the morning and females mouthbrood, gathering into schools.
Aggression: Males are highly territorial, particularly during the breeding season.
Special notes: Characterized by two interrupted horizontal lines on the body and a long snout. Breeding males display a turquoise snout and distinct spots in the anal fin. Member of the so-called Kambuzi group within Protomelas.

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