Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Maylandia fainzilberi 'Chitimba Bay'.jpg

Maylandia fainzilberi 'Hongi Island'.jpg

Maylandia fainzilberi 'Hai Reef'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima fainzilberi 'Hai Reef'</font>

Genus:	Maylandia
Type locality:	Makonde, Lake Malawi, Tanzania.
Biotope:	Rocky habitats ranging from sediment-free shallow rocks to sediment-rich rocky areas at somewhat greater depths. The species is closely associated with small to medium-sized rocks that provide shelter and spawning sites, and is rare where rocks are scattered over open sand.
Geographic distribution:	Widely distributed in Lake Malawi. Occurs along the entire Tanzanian shore from Matema to Hai Reef and extends into Mozambican waters as far south as Lumbaulo. On the Malawian coast it is found between Mdoka and Usisya. Populations formerly known as Maylandia sp. ‘zebra chilumba’ are now regarded as geographical variants of Maylandia fainzilberi.
Typical adult size:	In the lake, males usually reach up to about 13 cm total length, with females about 25% smaller. In aquaria, males commonly grow larger and may reach 17–18 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:	Strongly pronounced. Males have a blue ground color with distinct dark vertical bars and often show yellow to golden coloration on the chest and throat; dorsal fin color varies between populations and may range from blue to yellow or orange. Females are brown to bluish gray, usually lacking a distinct barred pattern. O (orange) and OB (orange blotched) morphs occur, particularly in females.
Recommended aquarium size:	400 L.
Aquarium setup:	Aquarium should be dominated by rockwork forming many caves and hiding places. Best kept in a harem of one male with 2–3 females, or in larger groups in sufficiently spacious tanks. Due to its robust and aggressive nature, aggression is reduced when housed with other large, hardy algae-grazing mbuna and when ample visual barriers are provided.
Diet:	Omnivorous mbuna. Feeds mainly on Aufwuchs scraped from rocks, consisting of diatoms and algal strands, but also takes plankton and small invertebrates. Frequently observed feeding in schools in the water column.
Breeding:	Breeding males defend territories centered around caves among rocks, often with neighboring males less than one meter apart. Spawning takes place inside the cave. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and usually hide solitarily while holding. Clutches typically consist of 20–40 eggs, with release of fry after about three weeks, followed by immediate abandonment.
Aggression:	Aggressive within the species; generally tolerant toward other species but highly territorial, especially males.
Special notes:	This species shows marked polychromatism, including O and OB morphs, which are especially common in females. It is one of the most widespread and abundant large zebra-type mbuna and shows a higher tolerance for sediment-rich habitats than many related species.