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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Aulonocara sp. 'trematocranus masinje' Chiofu Bay
Genus: Aulonocara
Biotope: Steep rocky coastline with terraced intermediate habitat. Found at depths greater than 20 m, most commonly around 35 m. Hides in small caves within deep rocky structures.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to a small section of the east coast north of the Nsinje River (Malawi) and south of Charley’s Bay (Mozambique).
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates living in the sand, detected using enlarged cephalic sensory pores. Males are often observed foraging outside caves during morning hours.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend small caves as spawning sites and show aggression only toward conspecific males. Females are rarely observed and appear to remain hidden for most of the day.
Special notes: A very rare and dark-colored cave-dwelling Aulonocara with a notably large mouth. Occurs only at great depths and has one of the least vivid colorations among cave-dwelling members of the genus.

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