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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mchenga thinos 'Mara Rocks'.jpg Nimbochromis livingstonii 'Mara Rocks'.jpg Protomelas spilonotus 'Mara Rocks'.jpg Pseudotropheus fuscus 'Mara Rocks'.jpg Pseudotropheus perspicax 'Mara Rocks'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas spilonotus 'Mara Rocks'
Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Chilumba, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat on steep shores, remaining in mid-water about 1 m from the substrate and usually within the upper 5 m below the surface.
Geographic distribution: Western shore of Lake Malawi and northeastern coast at Magunga and Lupingu, extending south of Minos Reef along the eastern shore.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 20 cm total length; females up to approximately 16 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males develop breeding coloration and defend territories in open water. Females remain smaller and less intensely colored.
Aquarium setup: Provide ample swimming space and rocky structures with caves. Only one adult male per aquarium is recommended.
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on insects and soft-bodied invertebrates that fall or are washed into the water. Forms small mid-water feeding schools and also consumes plankton when available.
Breeding: Males defend open-water territories in the upper 5 m, but spawning occurs in caves within the rocky substrate. Females are courted in open water and led to the spawning cave.
Aggression: Less aggressive than some other Protomelas species, but males are territorial and respond strongly to similar-looking species.
Special notes: Distinguished by large dark spots along the base of the dorsal fin, larger than those of the dorso-lateral band. Member of the P. spilonotus group, which includes closely related, geographically separated forms with similar behavior and niche occupation.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Christian D'Amour
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Ems-Vechte-Aquaristik
Photo: © Jose Julio Guardeno Vegas
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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