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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Tramitichromis brevis 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg Trematocranus placodon 'Nkhata Bay'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'band' Nkhata Bay.jpg Tropheops sp. 'deep' Nkhata Bay.jpg Tropheops sp. 'mauve yellow' Nkhata Bay.jpg
Previous pageNext pageTropheops sp. 'band' Nkhata Bay
Genus: Tropheops
Biotope: Shallow intermediate habitats, especially transition zones between rock and sand.
Geographic distribution: Recorded from Nkhata Bay in the shallow intermediate zone.
Typical adult size: Up to approximately 12 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are blue-grey; some display a distinct black submarginal band in the dorsal fin. Females are grey with light yellowish-grey fins and are not distinguishable between banded and unbanded forms.
Aggression: Territorial males defend areas in the shallow transition zone; larger males tend to dominate in territorial disputes.
Special notes: Originally separated into two forms, Pseudotropheus ‘tropheops band’ and ‘tropheops no band’, based solely on the presence or absence of a black submarginal band in the dorsal fin of males. Because females are identical and size differences may explain territorial success, these forms are considered here to represent a single species, with unbanded individuals likely being younger males. If ever proven distinct, they would represent one of the smallest known interspecific colour differences among sympatric Lake Malawi cichlids.

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