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Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Naevochromis chrysogaster.jpg Naevochromis chrysogaster 'Maingano Island'.jpg Naevochromis chrysogaster 'Taiwanee Reef'.jpg
Previous pageNaevochromis chrysogaster 'Taiwanee Reef'
Genus: Naevochromis
Type locality: Southwest arm, Lake Malawi.
Biotope: Rocky and intermediate zones of Lake Malawi.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi and recorded from suitable habitats throughout the entire lake.
Typical adult size: Up to about 20 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and more colorful than females and exhibit more elongated fins with larger egg-spots on the anal fin.
Diet: Animal-based diet. Individuals have been observed following mouthbrooding females, although no confirmed attacks were recorded. Teeth are completely embedded in the gums and prey is obtained by suction. In captivity, the species readily accepts various foods.
Breeding: Maternal mouth-brooder. Males construct rudimentary spawning pits that are often barely noticeable among rubble, sometimes on top of debris beneath overhanging rocks. Territorial males do not feed during the breeding period.
Special notes: Characterized by a suprapectoral spot covering the upper lateral line, a supraanal spot between the lateral lines, and a precaudal spot. The melanic pattern shows geographical variation: most populations display three lateral spots, although some individuals lack the middle spot, and in others the mid-lateral spot may be elongated and appear superimposed on a diagonal line. During spawning, black markings disappear in both sexes. Females and juvenile males at certain localities may show a brassy-yellow ground color. Male breeding coloration is similar across known populations.

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