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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia sp. 'chinyankwazi' Chinyankwazi Island.jpg Melanochromis heterochromis 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Melanochromis robustus 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Petrotilapia chrysos 'Chinyankwazi Island'.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'chinyankwazi' Chinyankwazi Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMelanochromis robustus 'Chinyankwazi Island'
Genus: Melanochromis
Type locality: Chizumulu Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat, mainly within the upper three meters. Typically hides in caves and crevices among rocks.
Geographic distribution: Recorded around Chinyankwazi Island and Mumbo Island in southern Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males attain about 15 cm total length; females remain approximately 3 cm smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Territorial males are blue to dark blue with a solid light-blue mid-lateral stripe and a less defined light-blue dorso-lateral stripe, combined with dark vertical bars. Females are gray to green-yellow with a solid black mid-lateral stripe and an interrupted black dorso-lateral stripe.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 500 L is recommended.
Diet: Opportunistic omnivore. Feeds from the water column and is strongly attracted to stirred-up material, particularly in wave-washed areas. Stomach analyses have revealed insects, plankton, algae and other available food items.
Breeding: Males in breeding coloration defend caves and crevices as spawning sites, with territories estimated at 2–3 meters in diameter. Females are solitary and maternal mouthbrooders, remaining close to the rocky substrate while brooding.
Aggression: Strongly territorial during breeding. Males vigorously defend spawning sites against conspecific males.
Special notes: Distinguished from other species of the genus by breeding males that simultaneously display horizontal light-blue stripes and dark vertical bars. It is one of the largest members of the genus.
Johnson (1985) listed Chizumulu Island as the type locality, but since the specimen was acquired through the ornamental fish trade, its exact origin is questionable. Given that similarly large individuals have only been encountered at Chinyankwazi Island, it is likely that the original locality information was inaccurate. The proportions and coloration visible in the photograph of the living holotype closely match wild males from Chinyankwazi Island, suggesting that this island represents the correct type locality.

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