malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Protomelas kirkii 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas labridens 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas similis 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'spilonotus tanzania' Mbamba Bay.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas pleurotaenia 'Mbamba Bay'
Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Lake Malawi (erroneously labelled as Lake Tanganyika in the original species description)
Biotope: Vegetated and intermediate habitats, especially the deeper parts of plant beds, but also venturing over adjacent sand or rocks.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males reach about 14 cm total length; females up to about 10 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males develop breeding coloration and defend territories. Females and non-territorial males show distinct red lappets along the dorsal fin margin.
Recommended aquarium size: A spacious aquarium is recommended with only one adult male per tank due to strong territorial behavior.
Aquarium setup: Maintain pH 7.0–8.5 and temperature 23–28 °C. Provide sandy substrate with some rocks and vegetated areas to allow natural feeding and spawning behavior.
Diet: Feeds by blowing into sediment on sand and around plant bases, extracting insect larvae and soft-bodied crustaceans from mud and debris.
Breeding: Territorial males construct shallow, saucer-shaped spawning platforms in shallow water, often against a rock or object. Sites are built in small colonies. Females are courted when entering a territory. Mouthbrooding females incubate the eggs after spawning.
Aggression: Males are highly territorial during breeding and defend their spawning sites vigorously.
Special notes: Distinguished by a thin but distinct red edge in the dorsal fin and an often straight mid-lateral stripe. Differs from Protomelas triaenodon by having bicuspid rather than tricuspid outer teeth.

Photo gallery

Photo: © African Diving Ltd
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si