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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Petrotilapia microgalana 'Mdoka'.jpg Placidochromis phenochilus 'Mdoka Reef'.jpg Protomelas insignis 'Mdoka'.jpg Protomelas krampus 'Mdoka'.jpg Protomelas sp. 'steveni black belly' Mdoka Reef.jpg
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Genus: Protomelas
Type locality: Monkey Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Primarily sediment-free rocky areas, usually swimming 2–3 m above the rocks in open water. Breeding sites are constructed in intermediate habitats.
Geographic distribution: Occurs throughout Lake Malawi but is nowhere common.
Typical adult size: Males reach up to 21 cm. Females attain only about 13 cm.
Diet: Specialized egg-robber that patrols breeding arenas of other cichlids. Waits at distances often exceeding 1 m before darting in to snatch freshly laid eggs. May occur singly or in small groups above rocky habitats.
Breeding: Males construct cave-crater spawning sites in intermediate habitats. Ripe females, which turn very dark gray, are led to the site. Females mouthbrood and continue guarding the fry for several weeks after release.
Aggression: Males are highly territorial, particularly in breeding condition.
Special notes: Distinguished by two half-length horizontal stripes, the mid-lateral stripe beginning 5–6 scales behind the gill cover and the dorso-lateral stripe ending halfway along the flank. Possesses a relatively large mouth adapted to egg-robbing behavior. Frequently associated with Otopharynx ovatus in southern breeding arenas.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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