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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Nimbochromis polystigma 'Otter Point'.jpg Nyassachromis microcephalus 'Otter Point'.jpg Nyassachromis sp. 'otter' Otter Point.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'heterodon nankumba' Otter Point.jpg Protomelas annectens 'Otter Point'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNyassachromis sp. 'otter' Otter Point
Genus: Nyassachromis
Biotope: Sandy habitats in the southern part of Lake Malawi, including areas with large boulders rising from the sand.
Geographic distribution: Southern part of Lake Malawi, recorded from Otter Point and Domwe Island.
Aquarium setup: Requires open sandy areas in combination with large rocks or boulders. Males transport coarse sand onto elevated rock surfaces where spawning structures are constructed.
Breeding: Males carry coarse sand onto large boulders and construct relatively small sand-castles with a horizontal spawning dish on top. The dish is carefully cleared of coarse particles, making it distinct from the surrounding substrate. Some males also construct more conventional sand-castle bowers directly on open sand.
Aggression: Territorial during the breeding period, with males defending their constructed spawning sites.
Special notes: Assignment to Nyassachromis is supported by the presence of a distinct horizontal stripe and breeding behavior. Mouthbrooding females form groups in open water near boulders rather than hiding among rocks or vegetation.

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