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.
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