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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas taeniolatus 'Makokola Reef'.jpg Tropheops kumwera 'Makokola Reef'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'boadzulu' Makokola Reef.jpg Tropheops sp. 'orange chest' Makokola Reef.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTropheops sp. 'boadzulu' Makokola Reef
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Intermediate and sediment-rich habitats with sandy patches among rocks, generally in water deeper than 10 m. Males excavate tunnels beneath rocks when holding territories over sand.
Geographic distribution: Known from Boadzulu Island and Makokola Reef in the southern part of Lake Malawi.
Sexual dimorphism: Males exhibit broad vertical barring typical of the sand-group Tropheops; females show a similar but generally less intense pattern.
Aggression: Territorial males defend sites over sand and beneath rocks; behavior comparable to other intermediate-zone Tropheops.
Special notes: Assigned to the so-called sand group of Tropheops, together with Tropheops microstoma. Members of this group are characterized by relatively broad vertical bars and an association with sediment-rich sandy or intermediate habitats. In these environments, individuals actively search for sediment-free patches of algal growth, as aufwuchs is often mixed with detritus.

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