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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Tropheops macrophthalmus 'Linganjala Reef'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'elongatus chizumulu' Linganjala Reef.jpg Tropheops sp. 'yellow chin' Linganjala Reef.jpg
Previous pageTropheops sp. 'yellow chin' Linganjala 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.

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