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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas sp. 'steveni imperial' Chizumulu Island.jpg Pseudotropheus interruptus 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'aggressive yellow fin' Chizumulu Island.jpg Pseudotropheus tursiops 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus williamsi 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus sp. 'aggressive yellow fin' Chizumulu Island
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Biotope: Shallow intermediate habitat around Chizumulu Island and surrounding isalnds, occurring among small and medium-sized rocks in waters less than 6 m deep.
Geographic distribution: Only known from around Chizumulu Island, including Machili Island and Same Bay.
Typical adult size: Up to about 10 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger than females, with longer fins and a vivid blue coloration; females are dark brown to grey and lack the male’s vivid blue coloration.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 500 l or more is recommended.
Diet: Territorial males feed from the rock surface within their territories and also take plankton from the water column while remaining close to the rocks. In captivity it readily accepts varied foods, but feeding should be rationed and based mainly on vegetable items.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning involves circular movements with a ‘T’-shaped posture; eggs are taken into the female’s mouth and fertilized. Incubation lasts around 3 weeks.
Aggression: Among the most aggressive mbuna; both sexes can be territorial and territory holders are highly intolerant of intrusions. Territories are often about 50–100 cm in diameter, with smaller territories forming in slightly overcrowded tanks.
Special notes: A deep-bodied, cobalt-blue “aggressive” mbuna lacking black markings. Recognizable by a markedly concave forehead with a prominent snout and densely set outer-row teeth described as those of an algae puller. The overall coloration is uniform, with only faint traces of vertical bars and a slightly more visible cephalic melanin pattern in aggressive individuals; horizontal stripes are absent. It has been described as a peculiar form with no apparent close relative, with a body profile recalling tropheines, and it has been suggested to represent an ancient lineage within mbuna.

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Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Pete Barnes
Photo: © Ricky Ward
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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