Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Maylandia sp. 'msobo heteropictus' Higga Reef.jpg

Protomelas sp. 'steveni taiwan' Higga Reef.jpg

Protomelas sp. 'steveni taiwan' Higga Reef

Genus:	Protomelas
Biotope:	Pure rocky habitat dominated by huge boulders, with territorial males typically occurring at depths greater than 15 m in strong-current areas around reefs.
Geographic distribution:	Restricted to Taiwanee Reef (north of Chizumulu Island), Higga Reef, and Ngkuyo (Mbamba Bay) Island.
Typical adult size:	Males reach about 17 cm total length; females reach about 13 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males differ in coloration from similar “Steveni” forms, including a white to light-blue dorsal fin and a wide yellow to red margin on the anal fin. Females typically show a clear to yellowish anal fin and may show horizontal elements in the basic melanin pattern.
Recommended aquarium size:	A minimum aquarium volume of 300 l and a tank length of at least 130 cm are required for one dominant male with several females. Significantly larger aquaria are necessary if more than one adult male is to be maintained.
Aquarium setup:	Provide rocky structures with flat surfaces for territories. Avoid tankmates that resemble the male breeding coloration to reduce aggression.
Diet:	Feeds primarily on algae from rocks by biting into the algal mat and sucking out loose material, including unattached algal strands and diatoms.
Breeding:	Territorial males defend a large section on the upper side of a large boulder; the spawning site within the territory often has lush algal growth due to exclusion of other herbivores. Mouthbrooding females are typically solitary and do not form nursery schools.
Aggression:	Males defend territories on boulders and exclude other herbivores from key areas; adult males are strongly territorial in captivity.
Special notes:	Undescribed species; the provisional name reflects its close relationship with other “Steveni” forms among aquarists. The name “Taiwan” refers to Taiwanee Reef (formerly Taiwan Reef), where the first population was discovered. In its distribution area it is the only Steveni present. Reported to be vulnerable to intensive ornamental fish collecting; populations at Taiwanee and Higga reefs have declined markedly due to over-collecting.