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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mylochromis anaphyrmus 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Mylochromis mollis 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Nyassachromis leuciscus 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Otopharynx lithobates 'Thumbi West Island'.jpg Otopharynx sp. 'heterodon nankumba' Thumbi West Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNyassachromis leuciscus 'Thumbi West Island'
Genus: Nyassachromis
Type locality: Domira Bay, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sandy habitats at depths of 7–25 m in areas not strongly exposed to wave action. Frequently associated with rubble and small stones scattered over sand.
Geographic distribution: Lake Malawi. Reported from various localities along the western coast of Malawi, most frequently in the southern part of the lake, including Domwe Island, Namalenje Island, Otter Island, Thumbi West Island, and Zambo Point.
Typical adult size: Up to 15 cm total length.
Recommended aquarium size: A minimum tank length of 120 cm and a volume of 350 l are recommended.
Aquarium setup: An aquarium with extensive sandy areas and some scattered rubble or small stones is appropriate. Spawning sites may be constructed either as sand bowers on open substrate or on rocks that are largely covered with sand.
Diet: Feeds on silt layers covering the sand and also on plankton. The intestine is long and coiled, exceeding three times the standard length. Benthic algae, including the macrophyte Vallisneria aethiopica, are reported as part of the diet.
Breeding: Breeding males develop intense coloration with a deep blue head and dorsal body, and black anal and pelvic fins. Males defend sand bowers at depths of about 15 m, spaced roughly 2 m apart. Spawning sites have also been observed on rocks almost entirely covered by sand.
Aggression: Territorial males defend their spawning sites during the breeding period.
Special notes: Usually lacks a distinct body pattern when alive, although preserved specimens may show a faint mid-lateral stripe. Distinguished by a long coiled intestine, relatively low numbers of gill rakers, less crowded pharyngeal teeth, and a lower pharyngeal bone with the anterior blade directed downward. Populations occurring over shallow sandy areas are vulnerable to capture by beach seining.

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