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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Harbour Island.jpg Chindongo sp. 'aggressive brown' Harbour Island.jpg Lethrinops altus 'Harbour Island'.jpg Lethrinops sp. 'yellow collar' Harbour Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageChindongo sp. 'aggressive brown' Harbour Island
Genus: Chindongo
Type locality: Unknown; reported from the southern part of Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Rocky habitat, often on large horizontal rock surfaces where territorial males establish and defend feeding areas (algal gardens).
Geographic distribution: Southern Lake Malawi. Exact range unclear due to taxonomic uncertainty within the elongatus / aggressive complex.
Typical adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and more intensely colored, typically brown to dark brown with subdued barring. Females are smaller and duller in coloration.
Recommended aquarium size: 500 L or larger.
Aquarium setup: Large aquarium with extensive rockwork forming multiple territories and visual barriers. Provide flat rock surfaces for territorial display. Best kept as one male with several females.
Diet: Primarily an aufwuchs feeder grazing algae from rock surfaces. Opportunistically consumes small invertebrates found within the algal matrix.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories on flat rock surfaces where spawning takes place.
Aggression: Very aggressive. Strongly territorial toward conspecifics and similarly shaped mbuna, comparable to other members of the elongatus / aggressive species complex.
Special notes: An undescribed member of the elongatus / aggressive complex. Often confused with Chindongo bellicosus, Chindongo longior and related forms. Taxonomic status remains unresolved.

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