Shallow intermediate habitat with rocky substrate covered by algae and
biocover.
Geographic distribution:
Lake Malawi; recorded from Chuanga, Gome and Metangula in Mozambique.
Sexual dimorphism:
Males are completely blue and highly territorial; females are bluish brown
and solitary.
Diet:
Feeds by picking algae from the biocover on rocks.
Breeding:
Males defend territories with great zeal; the center of the territory is
typically a small hole excavated beneath small rocks.
Aggression:
Very aggressive; males vigorously defend feeding territories.
Special notes:
Member of the so-called “lucerna group”, characterized by an average-shaped
body, a convex upper head profile, and a ventrally positioned mouth.
Vomer-angle measurements reported for representatives of this group fall
within the range typical for Pseudotropheus, supporting its placement in
this genus.
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