Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Mchenga conophoros 'Otter Point'
Genus: Mchenga
Type locality: Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Shallow sandy habitats where territorial males build sand bowers.
Geographic distribution: Shallow water around the Nankumba Peninsula, including Cape Maclear.
Typical adult size: Up to about 14 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Females and non-breeding males are silvery and nondescript. Breeding males develop black markings in the caudal fin; females and non-breeding males lack yellow ocelli in the anal fin.
Breeding: Males construct bowers in sandy areas and maintain small spawning sites in breeding arenas (leks). Females may gather in large schools a few meters above the bottom. Seasonal peaks of reproductive activity are reported, with territorial males present year-round.

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings