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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx lithobates 'Domwe Island'.jpg Placidochromis mbunoides 'Domwe Island'.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'blue otter' Domwe Island.jpg Tropheops kumwera 'Domwe Island'.jpg Tropheops romandi 'Domwe Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePlacidochromis sp. 'blue otter' Domwe Island
Genus: Placidochromis
Biotope: Rocky transition zone and rocky habitat at depths of 10–40 m, where it utilizes both rock structures and adjacent sandy areas.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi, around the Nankhumba Peninsula in Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 15 cm; females about 11–12 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and blue with dark ventral and anal fins. Females and juveniles are silvery.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of at least 400 L is recommended for a species-only setup. In community settings with other Malawi cichlids, 500 L or more should be considered.
Aquarium setup: Provide large rock structures with visual barriers, shaded areas, crevices and caves, combined with open sandy zones. Fine-grained substrate is recommended.
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on small crustaceans and other small invertebrates sifted from sediment. In the aquarium it requires protein-rich food such as live or frozen fare, but accepts prepared foods when sufficiently high in protein.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate the brood for a little over three weeks and typically release 25–50 fry. Harem structure with one male and several females is recommended in the aquarium.
Aggression: Generally not highly territorial. Males are moderately territorial toward conspecific males.
Special notes: Also known under earlier names such as Otopharynx sp. 'blue otter' and Haplochromis sp. 'domwe reef granderus'. Several populations exist but show only minor variation.

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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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