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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Stigmatochromis modestus 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Tropheops modestus 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'lilac' Nakantenga Island.jpg Tropheops sp. 'maleri blue' Nakantenga Island.jpg Tyrannochromis polyodon 'Nakantenga Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTropheops sp. 'lilac' Nakantenga Island
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.

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