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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Otopharynx sp. 'auromarginatus margrette' Mbamba Islands.jpg Petrotilapia flaviventris 'Mbamba Islands'.jpg Pseudotropheus crabro 'Mbamba Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'yellow chin' Mbamba Islands.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus crabro 'Mbamba Island'
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Type locality: Maleri Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Deep rocky habitat at depths of 10–45 m. It is most frequently encountered in large caves or near large boulders, often in association with the catfish Bagrus meridionalis.
Geographic distribution: Widely distributed in Lake Malawi, but not recorded north of Hongi Island on the eastern side or north of Mara Rocks on the western side.
Typical adult size: In the wild it reaches about 14 cm total length, while considerably larger specimens, up to about 18 cm, are known in aquarium conditions.
Sexual dimorphism: Females and juveniles display a yellow body with dark brown vertical barring. Adult males develop a very dark brown to almost black breeding coloration, with the original yellow bars fading and in larger individuals the entire body and fins becoming dark.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 400 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork with large caves and hiding places. For one male, keep 2–3 females, or maintain groups such as 3 males with 7 females. It can be housed with most algae-eating mbuna of similar size and temperament.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feeds on algae, plankton and invertebrates, and has a specialized cleaning relationship with Bagrus meridionalis, removing the fish-louse Argulus africanus by scraping it from the catfish’s skin. It is also known to steal catfish eggs during the breeding season.
Breeding: Territorial males defend domains but are not highly aggressive. Spawning has not been observed directly; it is assumed to take place within caves in the rocky habitat.
Aggression: Can be aggressive within the species, while generally rather peaceful toward other species.
Special notes: This species lives in large caves in symbiosis with the catfish Bagrus meridionalis, acting as a cleaner by removing parasites exclusively from this host. During the catfish’s breeding season it changes to a very dark coloration and steals eggs from guarded nests. Its yellow-and-brown barred pattern has given rise to the name “hornet”, and it can rapidly change to a uniform dull brown coloration.

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Photo: © Christian D'Amour
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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