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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mphande Island.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'lucerna brown' Mphande Island.jpg
Previous pagePseudotropheus sp. 'lucerna brown' Mphande Island
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Biotope: Very shallow intermediate habitat with rocky substrate covered by biocover and algae.
Geographic distribution: Occurs along the rocky shores south of Monkey Bay (excluding Monkey Bay itself); also recorded from Mphande Island and along the shore of Nkhudzi in Lake Malawi.
Diet: Feeds by picking algae from the biocover on rocks.
Breeding: Males defend territories with great zeal; the center of each territory is typically a small hole excavated beneath small rocks.
Aggression: Very aggressive; males vigorously defend feeding territories.
Special notes: Member of the so-called “lucerna group”, characterized by an average-shaped body, a convex upper head profile, and a ventrally positioned mouth. Representatives of this group show vomer-angle measurements within the range typical for Pseudotropheus, supporting their placement in this genus. The group is distinguished by black markings in the posterior dorsal fin.

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