malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Mylochromis sp. 'lateristriga makanjila' Hai Reef.jpg Otopharynx heterodon 'Hai Reef'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'spilonotus mozambique' Hai Reef.jpg Protomelas sp. 'steveni imperial' Hai (Chimate) Reef.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'perspicax tanzania' Hai Reef.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas sp. 'spilonotus mozambique' Hai Reef
Genus: Protomelas
Biotope: Upper rocky habitat, usually in mid-water a few meters above the substrate; also above intermediate habitat. Found in shallow water and locally at depths of about 5–7 m.
Geographic distribution: Eastern coast of Lake Malawi between Undu Point (Tanzania) and Londo Bay (Mozambique).
Typical adult size: Males up to about 18 cm total length; females up to about 14 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males larger and show breeding coloration even outside peak breeding periods. Females remain silvery-beige with black bars and stripes, lacking flank coloration.
Aquarium setup: Spacious aquarium with open swimming area and rocky structures providing caves.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds in mid-water on insects and small planktonic crustaceans, including items that fall onto the water surface. Also consumes plankton when available.
Breeding: Breeding in the wild not directly observed. Presumed cave spawner similar to other members of the P. spilonotus group. A fry-guarding female was observed at about 5 m depth caring for roughly 20 young.
Aggression: Males territorial in captivity; generally less aggressive than some other Protomelas species.
Special notes: Distinguished by a midlateral stripe composed of small regular blotches. Closely related to Protomelas spilonotus and other members of the spilonotus group. Population density low and species rarely collected.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si