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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'deep' Nkhata Bay.jpg Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg Buccochromis lepturus 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg Champsochromis caeruleus 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg Chindongo minutus 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageBuccochromis lepturus 'Nkhata Bay'
Genus: Buccochromis
Type locality: Lake Malawi (Domira Bay)
Biotope: Sandy habitats. Juveniles occur in shallow nearshore waters, while adults inhabit deeper sandy areas, typically at depths of about 15–30 m.
Geographic distribution: Widespread throughout Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe.
Typical adult size: Up to about 42 cm total length
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger and develop more pronounced coloration and patterning. Females remain smaller and less intensely colored.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 1000 L
Aquarium setup: Very large aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Fine sand substrate is essential; use only a few large rocks to break up sightlines while maintaining wide open sandy areas.
Diet: Piscivorous predator feeding primarily on other cichlids, especially smaller haplochromines.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males form temporary territories over sand; females carry and release fry in open areas.
Aggression: Generally peaceful toward similarly sized or larger fishes, but highly predatory toward smaller species.
Special notes: One of the more slender-bodied species of Buccochromis, distinguished by its narrow caudal peduncle. Populations in the southern arms of the lake and in Lake Malombe are affected by heavy fishing pressure.

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Photo: © Carsten Jensen Gissel
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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