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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas similis 'Mbamba Bay'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'spilonotus tanzania' Mbamba Bay.jpg Tropheops sp. 'aurora' Mbamba Bay.jpg Tropheops sp. 'higga' Mbamba Bay.jpg
Previous pageNext pageProtomelas sp. 'spilonotus tanzania' Mbamba Bay
Genus: Protomelas
Biotope: Wave-washed upper rocky habitat with large boulders and caves. Forms foraging groups in mid-water about one meter away from the substrate, usually within the upper few meters.
Geographic distribution: Eastern coast of Lake Malawi (Tanzania), between Njambe and Mbamba Bay, south of the Ruhuhu River.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 18 cm total length (in aquaria occasionally exceeding 22 cm); females up to about 14 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Males larger and show breeding coloration even when not actively spawning. Females remain silvery-white with black blotches and stripes and lack flank coloration.
Aquarium setup: Large aquarium with ample open swimming space and substantial rocky structures providing caves. Maintain pH 7.0–8.5 and temperature 23–28 °C. Keep only one adult male per tank.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on insects and other items floating in the water column, including pieces of aufwuchs washed from rocks by turbulence.
Breeding: Males defend sites on or beside large boulders. Spawning not directly observed but likely takes place inside caves, as in other members of the P. spilonotus group.
Aggression: Males territorial, especially in captivity; generally less aggressive than some rock-dwelling Protomelas species.
Special notes: Distinguished by a mid-lateral band consisting of two elongate blotches. Closely related to Protomelas spilonotus but separated geographically by the Ruhuhu River. Historically collected for the aquarium trade, though established in captivity.

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Photo: © Didier Michel
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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