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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mchenga cyclicos 'Masasa Reef'.jpg Mchenga cyclicos 'Msuli'.jpg
Next pageMchenga cyclicos 'Masasa Reef'
Genus: Mchenga
Type locality: Kanchedza Island, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Shallow sandy habitats between about 3–25 m depth where males build bowers on the substrate; in breeding arenas with dense aggregations of territorial males.
Geographic distribution: Known from the type locality at Kanchedza Island; also reported sympatric with M. thinos at Masasa Reef.
Typical adult size: Up to about 14 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are silvery and lack distinctive markings. Males develop breeding coloration, but cannot be reliably distinguished from M. thinos and M. conophoros based on colour alone.
Breeding: Males construct bowers on sand and defend small spawning sites within large leks. Territorial males are present throughout the year with seasonal peaks in reproductive activity. Non-breeding individuals remain close to the breeding arenas.
Special notes: One of three closely related species allied to M. eucinostomus, differentiated primarily by the size and shape of the bower mound and spawning dish. Males lack the large yellow-orange nape patch that characterizes Nyassachromis prostoma and remain close to their bowers during territorial activity.

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