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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Mylochromis mola 'Chirwa Island'.jpg Mylochromis mola 'Chizumulu Island'.jpg Mylochromis mola 'Domwe Island'.jpg Mylochromis mola 'Maleri Island'.jpg Mylochromis mola 'Malopa'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageMylochromis mola 'Domwe Island'
Genus: Mylochromis
Type locality: Vua, Lake Malawi
Biotope: Sandy and intermediate habitats over sand, typically at depths of 7–15 m.
Geographic distribution: Lake-wide in Lake Malawi and among the most common non-mbuna in intermediate habitats of sand/mud with rocks.
Typical adult size: Males around 17–18 cm total length; females usually smaller, commonly up to about 14 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are silvery with a diagonal series of large black blotches on the upper flank; males are blue with a greenish sheen on snout and cheek, with vertical bars becoming more prominent before full coloration. Northern females and non-breeding males may show yellow-orange anal and ventral fins, while southern populations have hyaline fins.
Recommended aquarium size: An aquarium volume of 500 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Provide extensive sand with a few larger stones interrupting open areas. Stock as 1 male with 2–3 females, or keep in a larger group such as 3 males with 7 females.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on invertebrates such as insect larvae and small crustaceans, with hard-shelled prey implied by the large molariform pharyngeal teeth.
Breeding: Breeding males become territorial and defend a cleared spawning patch in the intermediate habitat rather than constructing a bower. Spawning is reported across much of the year, with mouthbrooding lasting about three weeks before fry are released.
Aggression: A peaceful cichlid best kept with other calm species; due to its size it can also be housed with larger, mild predators.
Special notes: Diagnosed by a diagonal line made of large blotches that do not form a continuous stripe; this separates it from M. sphaerodon, where the diagonal line is typically thin, often solid, and positioned on the upper lateral line. The diagonal pattern in M. mola runs below the upper lateral line on the posterior half of the body. It is also separated from M. ericotaenia by the greatly enlarged, molar-shaped lower pharyngeal teeth with a spherical crown.

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Photo: © Umar Essop
Photo: © Umar Essop
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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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