Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Mylochromis mollis 'Chimwalani Reef'.jpg Mylochromis mollis 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg
Next pageMylochromis mollis 'Chimwalani Reef'
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: Monkey Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat; sandy areas with pebbles and adjacent rocky zones.
Geographic distribution: Recorded at Monkey Bay (type locality), Likoma Island, Cobwé, Gome, Luwala Reef, Chimwalani Reef, and Thumbi West Island.
Diet: Feeds by scooping small amounts of sediment which are chewed and screened for edible items, similar to Lethrinops. Likely consumes invertebrates associated with sandy substrates.
Breeding: Breeding males have been observed only sporadically. Spawning sites are rudimentary, consisting of cleaned sand adjacent to rocks. Eggs are mouthbrooded by the female.
Special notes: Distinguished by relatively thin lips that barely protrude from the snout profile. It has historically been confused with Mylochromis sp. ‘mollis likoma’ and other mollis-like forms. Appears shy in the wild and is rarely observed feeding.

Photo: © Ad Konings