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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Melanochromis auratus 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Melanochromis heterochromis 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Mylochromis chekopae 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Nimbochromis linni 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Otopharynx cf. lithobates 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMylochromis chekopae 'Nakantenga Island'
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: The south eastern arm of Lake Malawi, off Chekopa.
Biotope: Occurs over sandy substrates; recorded at depths between 18–45 m.
Geographic distribution: Known only from the northeastern shore of the southeast arm of Lake Malawi, at trawl stations Chekopa, Chilindi, and Chiponda.
Diet: Feeds on planktonic invertebrates and algae; stomach analyses revealed no sand grains, indicating feeding from the water column. Individuals have been observed foraging close to the bottom and occasionally picking items from the sand surface.
Breeding: Breeding males have not been observed in situ; a male in breeding coloration was obtained from a fisherman at Maleri Island.
Special notes: Characterized by a narrow diagonal stripe on the flanks and described as distinct from similar species by Turner & Howarth (2002). In the shallower part of its depth range it may be the most abundant species.

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