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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Protomelas taeniolatus 'Namalenje Island'.jpg Protomelas virgatus 'Namalenje Island'.jpg Pseudotropheus sp. 'williamsi maleri' Namalenje Island.jpg Stigmatochromis modestus 'Namalenje Island'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'elongatus namalenje' Namalenje Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePseudotropheus sp. 'williamsi maleri' Namalenje Island
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Biotope: Upper rocky habitat of Lake Malawi, particularly in areas with large rocks. Like other members of the Pseudotropheus williamsi group, it is associated with rocky zones where rocks may break the surface.
Geographic distribution: Occurs around the Maleri Islands and at Nankoma and Nakantenga islands in Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Up to about 15 cm total length for members of this super-species.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are more colorful, with longer fins and larger ocelli. Females usually remain greyish brown.
Recommended aquarium size: A tank volume preferably over 400 l is recommended. To maintain more than one active male, a minimum tank length of around 2 m is required.
Aquarium setup: A spacious aquarium with extensive rockwork and numerous shelters of various sizes is required to provide territorial structure and refuge.
Diet: Opportunistic feeder relying mainly on insects and their larvae. Diet items include zooplankton, detritus and Aufwuchs. Insects are taken at the surface and sometimes above it, with individuals jumping out of the water to capture prey.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Spawning takes place in the male’s territory with circular movements and a T-shaped posture. Eggs are taken into the female’s mouth and fertilized there.
Aggression: Large and strongly territorial mbuna. Can be highly aggressive toward conspecifics and intrusive toward less active mbuna in community aquaria.
Special notes: An undescribed member of the Pseudotropheus williamsi super-species, characterized by orange-red patches on the head and dorsal fin. It is closely related to other southern forms such as Pseudotropheus brevis and Pseudotropheus sp. ‘williamsi makanjila’, and has previously been associated with Pseudotropheus galanos due to similarities in coloration.

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