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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Melanochromis heterochromis 'Mumbo Island'.jpg Melanochromis robustus 'Mumbo Island'.jpg Mylochromis epichorialis 'Mumbo Island'.jpg Otopharynx lithobates 'Mumbo Island'.jpg Otopharynx mumboensis 'Mumbo Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMylochromis epichorialis 'Mumbo Island'
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: Chilumba Deep Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Primarily sandy habitat; occasionally observed in shallow water and in the water column.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi, but rare at any given location.
Typical adult size: Large species; adult males commonly exceed 20 cm total length.
Diet: Specialized predator of hard-shelled invertebrates. Frequently observed feeding on freshwater crabs (Potamonautes orbitospinus) and other large crustaceans; strong pharyngeal plates with molariform teeth adapted for crushing.
Breeding: Breeding males are rarely encountered and are usually seen in shallow water, sometimes in the water column. Spawning sites have not been observed; breeding inside caves has been suggested. Mouthbrooding females have not been documented in the wild.
Special notes: Despite its wide distribution, this species is seldom seen. Its feeding specialization on large crabs distinguishes it from most other members of the genus.

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