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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia callainos 'Nakantenga Reef'.jpg Maylandia pyrsonotos 'Mkondiwa Reef'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'lilac' Nakantenga Reef.jpg
Previous pageTropheops sp. 'lilac' Nakantenga Reef
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Shallow sediment-free rocky habitat; also recorded in deeper sediment-free rocky zones down to at least 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Southern Lake Malawi, including Chidunga Rocks, Maleri Islands, Mumbo Island, Thumbi West Island, Nakantenga Island and Nankoma Island.
Typical adult size: About 10–11 cm total length in imported specimens; reported to grow larger in aquarium.
Sexual dimorphism: Males show a lilac silvery-blue ground coloration with an ochre-yellow anterior body, longer fins and larger anal ocelli. Females are grey to greyish with less intense coloration.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of around 400 l or more is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide numerous rocky shelters (rocks, flat stones or similar structures) interspersed with sandy areas to allow territory formation.
Diet: Feeds primarily on filamentous algae plucked from rocks and may also consume plankton. In captivity, a predominantly vegetable-based diet is advised.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males excavate a pit beneath a stone and court females by displaying and quivering before leading them to spawn in the pit. Incubation is reported to last about 3 weeks.
Aggression: Males are territorial and can be aggressive, especially toward conspecifics, though described as not among the most aggressive members of the genus.
Special notes: Characterized as a high-bodied Tropheops with a domed forehead. Species limits within the “lilac” complex are considered unclear, and some populations previously treated as separate forms have been suggested to represent the same taxon.

Photo gallery

Photo: © K&C Rift Valley Cichlids UK
Photo: © K&C Rift Valley Cichlids UK
Photo: © K&C Rift Valley Cichlids UK
Photo: © K&C Rift Valley Cichlids UK
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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