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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia tarakiki 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Placidochromis johnstoni 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'electra blue' Mbamba Bay.jpg Protomelas kirkii 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas labridens 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePlacidochromis sp. 'electra blue' Mbamba Bay
Genus: Placidochromis
Biotope: Sandy substrates in the northern and north-eastern part of Lake Malawi, often near sand-sifting cichlids but not observed closely following them.
Geographic distribution: Hongi and Lundo Islands and along the coast south to Mbamba Bay, eastern Lake Malawi (Tanzania).
Sexual dimorphism: Similar to other electra-like forms. Males develop blue coloration in breeding condition; females are more subdued in tone.
Feeding: Opportunistic sand feeder attracted to stirred-up sediment created by sand-grubbing cichlids. Picks food particles from the substrate surface.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder with internal fertilization, following the spawning pattern typical of the electra species group.
Special notes: Closely related to Placidochromis electra but completely lacks the broad black lachrymal stripe sometimes covering the cheek in P. electra. Considered a distinct species pending discovery of intermediate populations.

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Photo: © Serge Ricart
Photo: © Serge Ricart
Photo: © Serge Ricart
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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