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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Lethrinops argenteus 'South East Arm'
Genus: Lethrinops
Type locality: Near Langenburg (Lumbila), Lake Nyassa (Lake Malawi).
Biotope: Open sandy habitats. A demersal species associated with sandy substrates in shallow to intermediate depths.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi, with confirmed records restricted to the northern part of the lake. No verified occurrences are known from the southern basin.
Typical adult size: Up to about 19 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males grow larger than females. Live coloration is unknown; preserved specimens show pale body coloration with faint vertical barring and prominent ocelli on the anal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: Large aquarium required due to adult size and open-bottom swimming behaviour.
Aquarium setup: Extensive fine sand substrate is essential. Maintain large open sandy areas with minimal hardscape. Best kept with other peaceful, sand-dwelling cichlids.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates extracted from sand by substrate sifting.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend sandy spawning sites and court females over open substrate.
Aggression: Generally peaceful within the species and towards other species.
Special notes: A poorly known northern Lake Malawi species with limited confirmed distribution. Live coloration remains unknown.

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Photo: © George Turner
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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