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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Pseudotropheus perileucos 'Membe Point'.jpg Pseudotropheus perileucos 'Mitande Reef (Rocks)'.jpg Pseudotropheus perileucos 'Ndomo Point'.jpg
Previous pagePseudotropheus perileucos 'Ndomo Point'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Membe Point, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi.
Biotope: Intermediate habitat at the rock–sand interface, also occurring in purely rocky areas.
Geographic distribution: Originally occurred only at Likoma Island, but was later also introduced to Thumbi West Island.
Typical adult size: Maximum recorded size is about 11–12 cm total length in the wild. In aquarium conditions individuals may reach at least 14 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger, darker and develop markedly longer unpaired fins, especially the caudal fin. Females are yellow to yellow-white and more slender, with the melanin pattern mainly visible in the dorsal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 300 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide rock structures with caves and open sandy areas. In larger aquaria several males may be maintained with multiple females.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feeds on attached algae from rocks and sand substrate as well as on plankton. In captivity accepts various foods but should be offered mainly vegetable- based items to avoid obesity.
Breeding: Maternal mouth-brooder. Males excavate a pit beneath a stone and attract females by display. Spawning occurs in the prepared site and females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth for about 3 weeks.
Aggression: Considered one of the more peaceful mbuna. Males are weakly territorial but generally less aggressive than many related species.
Special notes: Member of the P. johannii species group together with P. johannii, P. cyaneorhabdos and P. interruptus. Historically placed in Melanochromis due to superficial resemblance, but later reassigned to Pseudotropheus.

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Photo: © Larry Johnson
Photo: © Art Williamson
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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