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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas taeniolatus 'Katale Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus perspicax 'Katale Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'chilumba' Katale Island.jpg Tyrannochromis maculiceps 'Katale Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTropheops sp. 'chilumba' Katale Island
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitats with medium to large stones; also occurs in the intermediate zone at depths of 3–15 m.
Geographic distribution: Western coast of Lake Malawi from Mdoka to Maison Reef, including Chilumba Harbour, Chitande Island and Katale Island.
Typical adult size: Up to about 15 cm TL; one of the largest members of the genus.
Sexual dimorphism: Males metallic blue with moderately prominent vertical bars and a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin; usually display red suffusion in the unpaired fins and over the head and chest. Females yellow to beige, smaller, with shorter fins and smaller anal ocelli.
Recommended aquarium size: A large aquarium of at least 500 L is recommended. To maintain more than one active male, a tank of around 2 m in length is advisable to allow formation of separate territories.
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork with flat stones and stable structures forming numerous shelters and territorial boundaries. Open areas are required for display.
Diet: Feeds primarily on aufwuchs (algal bio-cover) in nature. In aquarium requires a diet rich in vegetable matter to prevent obesity and digestive problems typical for herbivorous mbuna.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males excavate a pit beneath a stone and defend a territory. Spawning occurs within the territory; eggs are incubated by the female for about 3 weeks. Fry are yellow, males turning blue at about 4–5 months of age.
Aggression: Territorial and can be aggressive, particularly towards conspecifics. Despite its size it is not among the most aggressive members of the genus, but still requires space and carefully selected tankmates.
Special notes: Member of the chilumba-type group, characterized by blue-barred males with a black submarginal band in the dorsal and yellow females. Often exported as “Chilumba Macrophthalmus”. Taxonomic interpretation has varied, with some authors previously treating it as conspecific with Tropheops sp. ‘higga’, but it is currently regarded as distinct based on differences in coloration and body proportions.

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