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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Oreochromis karongae 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Otopharynx lithobates 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Petrotilapia nigra 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Protomelas taeniolatus 'Zimbawe Rock'.jpg Tropheops sp. 'orange chest' Zimbawe Rock.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePetrotilapia nigra 'Zimbawe Rock'
Genus: Petrotilapia
Type locality: Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sediment-free rocky habitats with preference for medium-sized rocks. Occurs from extreme shallows down to 35 m depth, with males most common between 6–10 m and females mainly in the upper 2 m.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the southwestern arm of Lake Malawi around the Nankumba Peninsula, including Thumbi West Island and Domwe Island.
Typical adult size: Up to about 15 cm total length (122 mm SL recorded); considered a relatively small member of the genus.
Sexual dimorphism: Males approximately 20% larger than females, more colorful, with broader fins and larger egg-spots on the anal fin. Males dark blue with prominent black vertical barring and broad black submarginal bands in the fins. Females and juveniles grey with longitudinal series of blotches along the flanks.
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 500 l; 800 l preferable for long-term maintenance.
Aquarium setup: Large rocky aquarium with ample swimming space. Avoid keeping with other similar-sized Petrotilapia species.
Diet: Feeds predominantly on epilithic algae and benthic invertebrates within the algal mat. Females and juveniles also consume plankton when abundant. In captivity, algae-based foods are appropriate.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories against conspecific males only. Females incubate eggs and larvae in the mouth for approximately three weeks.
Aggression: Territorial males defend relatively large areas but are reported to be less aggressive than comparable Tanganyikan Petrochromis.
Special notes: Member of the P. nigra group characterized in females by longitudinal rows of blotches on a grey background.

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