Purely rocky habitat, also over sandy patches between rocks at
greater depths, usually below 15 meters.
Geographic distribution:
Restricted to the western coast of Lake Malawi, occurring between
Chirombo Point and Charo.
Typical adult size:
Males reach about 13 cm total length, females about 11 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:
Males show variable territorial coloration, including golden and
polychromatic forms, while females are consistently brown.
Polychromatism occurs mainly in females but is also observed
in some males.
Recommended aquarium size:
At least 300 liters.
Aquarium setup:
Provide plenty of rocks with numerous hiding places.
Fine sand is recommended as substrate.
Keep one male with 3–4 females.
Diet:
Primarily herbivorous, feeding from the aufwuchs.
Territorial males forage more frequently from the biocover,
while plankton is also consumed, especially at greater depths.
Breeding:
Territorial males defend spawning sites among rocks or excavate
a spawning pit under a stone where rocks meet sandy areas.
Spawning takes place inside caves or under rocks.
Aggression:
Sexually active males direct aggression mainly toward
conspecifics. Females and non-territorial males occur singly
or in small groups.
Special notes:
This species occurs only on the western shore of the lake,
while a similar and possibly closely related species,
Maylandia sp. ‘zebra yellow tail’, is restricted to the
eastern shore. Several geographical variants are known,
differing mainly in male territorial coloration.
Photo gallery