malawi.si

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Labeotropheus fuelleborni 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Labeotropheus trewavasae 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Maylandia flavicauda 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Maylandia zebra 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Melanochromis heterochromis 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMaylandia flavicauda 'Zimbawe Rock'<br><font color=gray>Metriaclima flavicauda 'Zimbawe Rock'<br>Maylandia sp. 'elongatus yellow tail' Zimbawe Rock</font>
Genus: Maylandia
Type locality: Zimbawe Rock, Lake Malaŵi, Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitat at 5–25 m, with large boulders creating caves and crevices used as shelter and spawning sites.
Geographic distribution: Known from Zimbawe Rock and from a tiny rocky reef just south of Mumbo Island (Chimney Rock).
Typical adult size: In the wild, males are estimated to reach about 13 cm total length, while in aquaria they may grow a few centimeters larger; females remain about 1-2 cm smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Males in territorial coloration are light blue with 5–6 distinct black bars; head black with two light-blue interorbital bars and a dark brown throat. Pelvic fins black; anal fin black; dorsal fin black with yellow to orange distal spots. Caudal fin is yellow in the type-locality population (Zimbawe Rock); males at Chimney Rock may show a blue tail. Females are beige-brown to light blue without distinct bars, with a white to beige belly and breast; head beige to brown with blue-green highlights, green to light gray interorbital bars, and a white throat.
Recommended aquarium size: 300 L (minimum length 120 cm).
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive rockwork with many caves and hiding places; ensure at least one cave per male. Fine sand is preferred. Keep with other robust omnivorous mbuna. Males can be highly territorial; avoid multiple adult males unless the aquarium is very large and offers strong visual barriers.
Diet: Omnivorous. Grazes aufwuchs (diatoms and cyanobacteria strands) from rocks and frequently feeds on plankton in open water; stomach-content studies have shown plankton can form a large part of the diet.
Breeding: Territorial males defend caves between rocks; territories may be close together in suitable habitat. Spawning takes place inside the male’s cave. Females are maternal mouthbrooders; broods are typically 10–30 eggs, with release after about three to three and a half weeks, followed by abandonment.
Aggression: Very aggressive within the species. Toward other species, aggression is usually most pronounced around spawning time.
Special notes: The elongate body form is associated with life in crevices between rocks.

Photo gallery

Photo: © Ad Konings
Photo: © Ad Konings
malawi.si
Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
All images are used with permission of the authors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Quick links
By genera By locations Locations Maps Posters Interactive map
Contact
Email Facebook Instagram
© malawi.si