malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Tropheops sp. 'elongatus mbako' Hai Reef.jpg Tropheops sp. 'red fin' Hai (Chimate) Reef.jpg Tropheops sp. 'yellow chin' Hai Reef.jpg
Previous pageTropheops sp. 'yellow chin' Hai Reef
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Intermediate habitats; at Likoma mainly shallow rocky areas, while at southern Chizumulu also in sediment-rich rocky biotopes at greater depths.
Geographic distribution: Likoma and Chizumulu Islands, extending north to Njambe (Tanzania) and south to Ntumba (Mozambique), possibly as far as Mala Point.
Typical adult size: Up to 13 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males vary from light blue with a yellow chin to completely yellow, with breeding coloration differing among populations. Females have a basic pattern of two horizontal rows of spots and lack a black band in the dorsal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of at least 400 L is recommended.
Diet: Feeds from the biocover by nibbling and jerking algae from rock surfaces.
Aggression: Males defend territories aggressively against intruders. Females are non-territorial and forage alone.
Special notes: Member of the double stripe group. Population density and male coloration vary considerably across its range. Completely yellow males are more common in sediment-rich habitats.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Mark Thomas
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