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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Placidochromis ordinarius 'Chuanga'.jpg Placidochromis pallidus 'Chuanga'.jpg Pseudotropheus johannii 'Chuanga'.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'lucerna blue mozambique' Chuanga.jpg Sciaenochromis fryeri 'Chuanga'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus johannii 'Chuanga'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Cape Ngombo, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate habitat, mainly at the rock–sand interface, but also occurring in purely rocky areas. Recorded from depths of 3–18 m, with most individuals found in shallow water.
Geographic distribution: Occurs along the eastern shore of Lake Malawi from Chuanga in Mozambique to Cape Ngombo (Makanjila Point). Northern populations (Chuanga and Metangula) may lack the light-blue horizontal stripes in males.
Typical adult size: Reported maximum size is about 11 cm in males and 9 cm in females. In aquarium conditions both sexes may grow several centimeters larger.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexual dichromatism is pronounced. Males are dark blue-black with two light-blue longitudinal bands, while females are entirely yellow to yellow-orange. Mouth-brooding females may temporarily show elements of the male pattern.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 300 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide abundant rockwork with numerous hiding places. Open areas between rocks should allow free movement. One male should be kept with at least 3–4 females, though larger groups such as 3 males with 9 females are possible. Suitable tankmates are robust, algae-grazing mbuna that also consume microorganisms.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feeds primarily from aufwuchs, consuming algae, zooplankton and small invertebrates. Individuals may also feed on plankton in the water column.
Breeding: Maternal mouth-brooder. Spawning takes place between rocks. Females brood 10–30 eggs for about 20 days and do not feed during incubation. After release, fry are not taken back into the mouth and may form groups with similarly sized juveniles.
Aggression: Highly aggressive within the species, particularly among males. Generally tolerant toward other species, especially when maintained in larger groups.
Special notes: Member of a closely related group including P. interruptus, P. perileucos and P. cyaneorhabdos. Males are almost indistinguishable from those of P. cyaneorhabdos. Historically placed in Melanochromis due to superficial resemblance, but later reassigned to Pseudotropheus.

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