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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia zebra 'Chiofu'.jpg Melanochromis baliodigma 'Chiofu Bay'.jpg Melanochromis simulans 'Chiofu Bay'.jpg Mylochromis sp. 'lateristriga makanjila' Chiofu.jpg Mylochromis sphaerodon 'Chiofu Bay'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMelanochromis simulans 'Chiofu Bay'
Genus: Melanochromis
Type locality: Cape Ngombo, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Rocky and intermediate habitats. Often associated with rocks but frequently ventures over sand in the sand–rock interface zone.
Geographic distribution: East coast of Lake Malawi between Makanjila Point (Malawi) and Nkhungu Point (Mozambique).
Typical adult size: Males attain about 11 cm total length; females remain approximately one fifth smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are light coloured with an elongated body shape. Breeding males resemble those of M. auratus and M. mossambiquensis but have a longer snout and a shallower body.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 400 L is recommended.
Diet: Predatory omnivore. Feeds close to the substrate from the biocover and searches primarily for invertebrates rather than grazing algae. Also attracted to stirred-up material.
Breeding: Males in breeding coloration are infrequently observed and territorial males have not been recorded in the wild. Individuals are generally solitary and show aggression only upon encountering rival males. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and may be seen in small groups.
Aggression: Moderate in the wild; males are aggressive toward conspecific males when encountered. In aquaria males become strongly territorial and should be kept singly.
Special notes: An elongate species with a long snout and relatively shallow body. Less common than sympatric M. dialeptos and M. wochepa. Often occurs at depths of 10–20 m and occasionally deeper than 20 m. Specimens may appear washed out after collection but regain full coloration under stable aquarium conditions.

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Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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