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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mylochromis durophagus 'Maison Reef'<br><font color=gray>Mylochromis sp. 'mollis chitande' Maison Reef</font>
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Biotope: Rocky areas of the intermediate habitat in shallow water.
Geographic distribution: Confirmed from Nkhata Bay and Mphanga Rocks near Chilumba in the northwestern part of Lake Malawi. It is likely conspecific with the form previously known as Mylochromis sp. ‘mollis chitande’, which would extend the range to Chilumba Harbour, Chitande Island, Gallireya Reef, Katale Island, Maison Reef, and Mdoka Reef.
Typical adult size: At least 9.6 cm total length (based on type material); probably larger in fully grown individuals.
Sexual dimorphism: Mature males are dark with golden spots covering most flank scales. Dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic fins are dark, with numerous orange spots on the dorsal and caudal fins. Females are beige with a paler chest and belly and show a strong, continuous oblique stripe from nape to caudal fin base, extending into the fin rays. Dorsal fin with dull orange spots; pectorals yellowish.
Diet: Strongly molariform pharyngeal teeth indicate specialization on hard-shelled invertebrates.
Special notes: Described by Turner (2024) and distinguished by its heavily molarized pharyngeal dentition and broad, continuous oblique stripe. It differs from M. mola by its shorter snout, deeper body, and more continuous stripe, and from M. anaphyrmus and M. sphaerodon by its less steep head profile. Turner (2024) tentatively suggests that this species corresponds to the aquarium and field form known as Mylochromis sp. ‘mollis chitande’.

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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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