Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Nyassachromis sp. 'otter' Otter Point.jpg

Otopharynx sp. 'heterodon nankumba' Otter Point.jpg

Protomelas pleurotaenia 'Otter Point'.jpg

Rhamphochromis longiceps 'Otter Point'.jpg

Genus:	Protomelas
Type locality:	Domira Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope:	Sandy habitats, rarely intermediate habitats. Breeding males may occupy territories near rocks but are also seen over open sand. Usually found in shallow water together with large sand-dwelling cichlids.
Geographic distribution:	Occurs throughout Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size:	Males reach about 20 cm total length. Females remain approximately one fifth smaller.
Sexual dimorphism:	Dominant males are blue with dark unpaired fins and often display vertical bars on the anterior flanks. Females are silvery; dominant females may darken and show vertical bars but do not become blue.
Aquarium setup:	It is recommended to keep only one male per aquarium and to avoid combining with species that closely resemble the male breeding coloration.
Diet:	Opportunistic feeder attracted to disturbed sediment. Feeds on small arthropods and cladocerans measuring about 0.3–0.8 mm, often filtering debris clouds produced by larger sand-sifting cichlids.
Breeding:	Spawning may occur on small platforms near rocks, though many individuals are non-territorial. Eggs are fertilized outside the female’s mouth. Mouthbrooding females remain on open sand and guard the offspring there.
Aggression:	Males are frequently territorial in aquarium conditions and show increased aggression toward similar-looking males.
Special notes:	Characterized by unicuspid buccal teeth and a high occipital crest. Large specimens may develop a head hump, though less pronounced than in Cyrtocara moorii. Known locally as “Kabibi”.