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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Maylandia lanisticola 'Senga Bay'.jpg Mylochromis formosus 'Senga Bay'.jpg Mylochromis gracilis 'Senga Bay'.jpg Mylochromis sp. 'torpedo elongate' Senga Bay.jpg Mylochromis sphaerodon 'Senga Bay'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMylochromis gracilis 'Senga Bay'
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: Monkey Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sandy habitat at depths between 10 and 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the southern part of Lake Malawi.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 23 cm total length; females up to about 18 cm
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of at least 600 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Aquarium length should be at least 150 cm. Provide a sandy bottom with as much open sand as possible, interrupted by several larger stones. Keep one male with two females; larger groups are not recommended.
Diet: Carnivorous predator. Preys mainly on other cichlids, especially shell-dwelling species. Its large mouth and dentition are adapted for piscivory.
Breeding: Sexually active males defend territories and construct sand-castle bowers about 50 cm in diameter. Eggs are fertilized inside the female’s mouth; maternal mouthbrooder.
Aggression: Robust but relatively calm. Because it is a predator, it must not be kept with small cichlids that could be regarded as prey.
Special notes: An elongate torpedo-shaped predator with a narrow, pointed head and large mouth. Sometimes placed in the genus Sciaenochromis by some authors. Imported under trade names such as “Torpedo” or “Dark Line Torpedo”.

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