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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Bandawe Point.jpg Petrotilapia microgalana 'Bandawe Point'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'steveni black belly' Bandawe Point.jpg Protomelas spilonotus 'Bandawe Point'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas sp. 'steveni black belly' Bandawe Point
Genus: Protomelas
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat in the upper regions, occasionally also in sediment-covered rocky areas. Most common at Kande Island and Bandawe Point, where it appears to replace P. taeniolatus.
Geographic distribution: Northwestern coast of Lake Malawi, between Mdoka and Kande Island (Malawi).
Typical adult size: Males up to about 17 cm total length; females rarely exceed 12 cm. In aquaria may grow slightly larger.
Sexual dimorphism: Juveniles similar in appearance. Adult males develop breeding coloration and a distinct dark ventral region. Fry a few weeks old show bright yellow anal and ventral fins.
Recommended aquarium size: A minimum aquarium volume of 300 l and a tank length of at least 130 cm are required for one dominant male with several females. Significantly larger aquaria are necessary if more than one adult male is to be maintained.
Aquarium setup: Provide rocky structures and sand substrate. Avoid tankmates that resemble the male breeding coloration to reduce aggression.
Diet: Likely feeds primarily on algae from the aufwuchs, possibly supplemented with invertebrates. Moves rapidly through the habitat, picking selectively at specific sites.
Breeding: Territorial males defend sites between or on top of rocks, or on sand beneath overhangs. Spawning not directly observed. Females mouthbrood and guard free-swimming fry for about three weeks after first release.
Aggression: Males strongly territorial in the aquarium. Avoid housing with similar-looking Steveni-type species, especially P. taeniolatus.
Special notes: Distinguished from P. taeniolatus by its dark belly and steeper snout profile. Rare over much of its range but locally common at Kande Island and Bandawe. Possibly ecologically separated from P. taeniolatus through differences in feeding efficiency or diet preference.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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