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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Chitseko Reef.jpg Mylochromis anaphyrmus 'Chitseko'.jpg
Next pageAulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' Chitseko Reef
Genus: Aulonocara
Biotope: Intermediate habitat. Occurs at depths of approximately 8–12 m. Feeds over sand and breeds inside caves formed by rocks resting on the sand.
Geographic distribution: Namalenje Island, Nankoma Island, Maleri Island, Nakantenga Island, Mumbo Island, and Chidunga Rocks (Lake Malawi).
Typical adult size: Males up to 14 cm, females up to 11 cm.
Recommended aquarium size: 400 L
Aquarium setup: Minimum tank length of 140 cm. Fine sand substrate with scattered groups of rocks forming caves. Keep one male with 1–2 females, or a larger group in a sufficiently spacious aquarium. House only with peaceful Malawi cichlids.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates living in the sand, located using enlarged sensory pores on the head.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend caves as spawning sites; only males with concealed territories are successful breeders. Females occur singly or in small groups over sand.
Aggression: Generally peaceful but easily stressed by aggressive species. Avoid boisterous mbuna.
Special notes: Previously regarded as a population of Aulonocara baenschi but differs by a much straighter snout. Not abundant at any locality. The best-known exported form is the “Sunshine Peacock” from Chidunga Rocks. Avoid keeping together with other Aulonocara stuartgranti variants due to hybridization risk.

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Photo: © Carsten Klarborg Larsen
Photo: © Antoine Bittard
Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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