Intermediate habitat rich in sediment; medium-sized rocks lying on sandy substrate at depths of approximately 17–27 m
Geographic distribution:
Known from Maleri Island and Nakantenga Island, Lake Malawi
Typical adult size:
Males up to 12 cm; females up to 9 cm
Sexual dimorphism:
Males larger and much darker than females, with a pearly white frontal area and dorsal fin edge; females silvery grey with faint markings
Recommended aquarium size:
Minimum 300 litres
Aquarium setup:
Fine sand substrate with scattered rock groups; keeping several males together is recommended to allow dominance hierarchies and full male coloration; avoid closely related Cynotilapia and large zebra-type mbuna
Diet:
Omnivorous; feeds mainly on plankton in the wild; unlike other Cynotilapia, even territorial males participate in schooling and plankton feeding
Breeding:
Maternal mouthbrooder; males dig pits beneath stones and defend territories during spawning
Aggression:
Aggressive towards conspecifics and other species; dominance strongly influences coloration
Photo gallery