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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Labidochromis gigas 'Membe Island'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Membe Island'.jpg Melanochromis baliodigma 'Membe Island'.jpg
Previous pageMelanochromis baliodigma 'Membe Island'
Genus: Melanochromis
Type locality: Membe Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-rich rocky habitat. The species inhabits intermediate habitats at the rock–sand interface and is frequently found in caves and crevices.
Geographic distribution: Occurs along the eastern shore of Lake Malawi and is found between Narungu and Mbweca, including Chizumulu Island, particularly around Membe Island.
Typical adult size: Males reach a total length of about 11 cm, while females remain approximately one fifth smaller.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 400 L is recommended.
Diet: Omnivorous and opportunistic. Feeds on small fishes and juveniles of catfish, including Bagrus meridionalis, and is attracted to stirred-up material. It has also been reported to attack fishes caught in nets.
Breeding: Males court females whenever they are encountered. Mouthbrooding females hide among the rocks. Males in breeding coloration are rare and have not been observed holding permanent territories, apart from aggressively chasing competitors from feeding sites.
Aggression: Can be aggressive within the species, particularly among males, but is generally tolerant toward other species.
Special notes: An elongate species with a pointed snout, recognised as a member of Melanochromis by the presence of two horizontal stripes along the flanks. It is distinguished from other congeners by seven to nine vertical bars overlaid by two dark brown longitudinal stripes. The ground colour of the body is lighter, yellow-beige, compared with related species showing darker brown coloration. Colouration varies slightly across its range, with darker individuals reported from Gome and lighter, more sand-associated individuals from Chizumulu Island.

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