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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas similis 'Likoma Island'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'steveni imperial' Likoma Island.jpg Pseudotropheus likomae 'Likoma Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus perileucos 'Likoma Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'aggressive grey' Likoma Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus likomae 'Likoma Island'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Mbuzi Island, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Intermediate and sandy habitats, usually in water less than 15 m deep. Juveniles have been observed inhabiting empty Lanistes nyassanus shells, whereas individuals displaying both horizontal stripes are not associated with shells.
Geographic distribution: Recorded around Likoma Island and its surrounding cluster islands, including Mbuzi Island.
Typical adult size: Largest type specimen 76.5 mm standard length, approximately 9 cm total length.
Diet: Feeds in groups without defending feeding territories. Individuals pick food items from sand or rocks; open-mouth combing of algal matrices has not been observed. When plankton is abundant, feeding also occurs in the water column.
Special notes: Characterized by numerous small scales on the nape and chest, an abrupt transition from large flank scales to smaller chest scales, and the presence of true ocelli. Adults show a basic melanin pattern of 5–7 vertical bars (five or fewer below the dorsal fin) together with a mid-lateral and a dorso-lateral stripe, a combination that distinguishes mature individuals from other mbuna, including Pseudotropheus livingstonii. Juveniles may lack distinct horizontal elements and resemble juvenile P. livingstonii, making reliable separation at that stage difficult.

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